Dancing With the Stars Hit With Backlash Over Sean Spicer Casting; Host Tom Bergeron Calls Out ABC
Dancing With the Stars‘ decision to cast Sean Spicer in its latest season has drawn a sharp rebuke on social media, with some calling on ABC to reverse course and dump the disgraced former White House press secretary.
“Sean Spicer repeatedly lied to the American people and literally defended Hitler,” Big Bang Theory co-creator Bill Prady bemoaned on Twitter. Community vet Yvette Nicole Brown, whose previous ABC credits include The Mayor, called Spicer’s hiring “very problematic.” Roswell, New Mexico showrunner Carina Adly MacKenzie implored ABC to “do better.”
Host Tom Bergeron, meanwhile, posted a lengthy statement on Twitter suggesting that he was against Spicer’s hiring. “A few months ago, during a lunch with DWTS‘ new Executive Producer, I offered suggestions for Season 28,” he wrote. “Chief among them was my hope that DWTS, in its returning following an unprecedented year-long hiatus, would be a joyful respite from our exhausting political climate and free of inevitably divisive bookings from ANY party affiliations. I left that lunch convinced we were in agreement. Subsequently (and rather obviously), a decision was made to, as we often say in Hollywood, ‘go in a different direction.’ It is the prerogative of the producers, in partnership with the network, to make whatever decisions they feel are in the best long term interests of the franchise. We can agree to disagree, as we do now, but ultimately it’s their call. I’ll let it to them to answer any further questions about those decisions.” [pmc_inline_gallery]
Spicer’s casting in Season 28 was announced Wednesday morning on Good Morning America. His celeb competitors include James Van Der Beek, Christie Brinkley, The Bachelorette‘s Hannah Brown, Queer Eye‘s Karamo Brown, The Office‘s Kate Flannery and Kenan & Kel‘s Kel Mitchell. (Full cast list here.)
“We’ve got a great and diverse cast,” DWTS executive producer Andrew Llinares tells TVLine. “We are excited about the season.
Earlier this month, ABC entertainment president Karey Burke confirmed to TVLine that the ailing competition series underwent a few “format tweaks” in the wake of last fall’s controversial, much-maligned cycle, which found a slew of well-scored frontrunners ultimately losing out to country radio DJ (and very dark horse) Bobby Bones. “It’s about [shifting] the focus of the show to really focus on it being a celebration of dance,” Burke said, “and also focusing on the celebrities.” Regarding the then-unannounced cast, Burke promised the lineup is “really good.”
Sean Spicer lied repeatedly to the American people and literally defended Hitler. @ABCNetwork: “Yes, but can he fox trot? Tune in to see!”
— Bill Prady (@billprady) August 21, 2019
Yeah, that spicy addition is very problematic.
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) August 21, 2019
“Hitler didn’t even sink to using chemical weapons.” — Sean Spicer
Hitler “was not using the gas on his own people.” — Sean Spicer
Do better @ABCNetwork. https://t.co/IBAVbpQQsr
— Carina Adly MacKenzie (@cadlymack) August 21, 2019
no
— Chelsea Peretti (@chelseaperetti) August 21, 2019
I’ve never watched more than the occasional clip of DWTS, but if they were to have an extended sit down between Karamo Brown and Spicer I would move mountains to watch that.
The limit for how political the competitors are should be Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
First, even if Spicer is on, I won’t watch because I don’t watch DWTS.
Second, “CAUSE I HATE TRUMP” doesn’t mean you get your way.
IT’S A FREAKING REALITY SHOW! Get over it.
It has nothing to do with hating Trump. It’s the fact this guy wasn’t just a celebrity who happened to lie. He lied to the American people as his job.
So you are lying for free?
But no one says anything about shady Ray Lewis??
This.
That’s what I find the funniest about all of this. People mad at someone specifically hired to spin the news for spinning the news, but an accused murderer gets a pass. Not a fan of Spicer and have no doubt he’s out in the first week or two, but a little perspective people.
Also, Lamar (I went to Love Ranch and all I got was an overdose) Odom gets a pass too? It’s nice to know where people stand. You can beat your wife, do drugs and visit prostitutes but if you sided with Trump that’s the line.
Yup. People will get the last say with their vote. Don’t like some of these people, don’t vote for them. I know I won’t. But hearing all of this reactionary outrage is OTT.
HIs job was not to lie to the American public but to inform. Spinning and lying are not the same thing. And while an occasional lie will happen from a press secretary, it should not be and every day occurrence. He purposefully misled the press and American people. He had a choice and chose to lie. He should not be able to make that fact entertainment so that he can make another buck off of it.
Oh, but murder is OK if you are a sports figure? Yeah, we all can see what your priorities are…yikes.
Ray Lewis is just as problematic and there are plenty of people not happy about him being on it either. DWTS royally screwed up this year.
Funny–if he’s also “just as problematic” where is all the meltdowns and screams of outrage for him? Try again…
I logged into the comments to say exactly this. Last I knew, Sean Spicer wasn’t involved in the murder of two men; can Ray Lewis say the same? I don’t think so.
That’s a really good point.
He had to cop to obstruction of justice and no one was ever convicted of the crime so he either did it or knew who did it but he is dancing. Lamar Odom has done to many dumb things to list in his life but they are alright to put out there
Well, I don’t follow sports, so your comment about his shady past is the first I’m hearing about it. That may well be the case for many other viewers as well.
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But if any other contestants have questionable (at best) pasts, then fine, by all means, let’s have a discussion about them, too.
Yeah, with this casting Burke is absolutely keeping the focus on the celebration, on the dance. Yup. Surely he is…
Karey Burke is a woman. –Mgmt.
Thanks Matt
Spicer was a brilliant choice,look at all the attention the show is getting as it becomes long in the tooth.Sure some people won’t watch that might have but it will probably draw more that offsets this.I don’t watch shows like this one so it doesn’t matter to me and having Spicer as part of it does not mean the show has somehow become a Trump endorsement.
You might be right if he lasts more than a week or two. But, historically speaking, he’s likely to be the first elimination. He has a limited fan base. He doesn’t seem to have dance training. His personality is lacking. It’s hard to see how he manages to do anything more than the usual stiff middle-aged man trot then collect whatever checks he can before the first elimination and pop up for another 30 seconds in the finale.
As soon as Spicer is out, I’ll be in. It’s also problematic Ray Lewis is in; however he was accused but never convicted.
You well may be right but TV always thinks in terms of immediate gratification and fuzzy theories of eyeball trapping,TV hopes he’ll bring viewers that will stay even if he leaves.
Sean Spicer actually HAS a ‘fan base’?
Sean Spicer was wrong on both counts, no wonder he lost his job.
So if you’re a Republican you’re black balled from Hollywood projects?
How very McCarthy of the “tolerant” left.
For the record I have no use for Sean Spicernir extending his time in the spotlight.
But come on. The heightened and ignorant tweets from “celebrities” is both laughable and frightening.
He LITERALLY defended Hitler. I love how people really don’t understand how to properly use “literally.” And Spicer being on DWTS doesn’t make me any more or less wiling to watch it. I just don’t care that much. People really need to learn to not take a reality dancing show so seriously.
Oh, baloney. Plenty of republicans would be fun to watch. Spicer isn’t republican, he’s a Trump enabler.
Yes! Let’s swap him out for Kasich. Watching that awkward Ohioan would be way more delightful.
Disney, who owns ABC, has always had a certain family vibe that has often been handed down to its possessions. I have to say, even though I gave up on DWTS years ago, their choice to add Spicer to the line up goes, in my mind at least, against that family vibe.
What all this tells me is that the need for viewers is more important than content. Which, translated, tells me that ratings are down so much they think they need the equivalent of click bait to get viewers. If that is the case, perhaps the show should be removed from the lineup?
But, you have no problem with Ray Lewis being on the show. Yeah he’s family kinda vibe!?
Um last I knew Ray Lewis was not charged for murder, even though obviously many of you still believe he is guilty. NOW Spicer stood on that platform and LIED daily for Trump. Personally I don’t care because I don’t watch DWTS, but if I did, I would tune out this year because I have no desire to see the liar with no character.
Mary, so to you, nothing says “DISNEY” like Ray Lewis & Lamar Odom?
Disney is a CORPORATION, making money, that is all. Those who believe otherwise are delusional.
Once again the all inclusive snowflake, crybaby liberals’ heads are exploding because they can’t believe not everyone on the planet think the way they do. Why not just such keep your ideology out of it and enjoy the dance? It IS a dance show, not a political forum.
Sure. Because “Hitler didn’t even sink to using chemical weapons.” is just a difference of ideology. No big deal!
If the guy can’t even “remember” basic historical facts, what are the odds that he’s going to be able to remember dance routines?
😂😂😂
“It IS a dance show, not a political forum.” Correct, so back the truck up and stop yelling at those opposed to casting Spicer, and yell at ABC for casting a political operative in the first place.
Not “yelling” at anyone. That’s what people who are trying to push their agenda onto others do. You need a hobby dude.
Already got one… posting here! Well, had one, but it’s ending now because my lunch break is over. Enjoy your day!
Once again the snowflake crybaby trump lovers blindly make everything about party lines, ignoring actual issues because somebody votes the same way they do and probably has similar character and integrity.
“snowflake crybaby trump lovers” ?
Well everything is pretty much political nowadays. They are voicing their opinions, just like you & the next person do. You’re getting pissed because of that. You do realize you too just voiced your opinion. Who’s right, who’s wrong? Just like you don’t want to read about that side, is exactly what they are saying when they don’t want to SEE your side. It’s the same thing. Maybe it’s time for both sides to allow the expressions…as long as this is still one of the right’s of being an American….
It has nothing to do with ideology. You don’t give a platform to an amoral man, but I’m sure you Trump supporters don’t comprehend that.
And nothing about the murderer? Yes but trump supporters are so immoral 🙄
To be fair, I don’t know sports or Kardashians, so I had no idea what Lewis was accused of and forgot who Odom even was. I think a lot of people would probably be in the same boat.
Hate to inform you but he wasn’t charged with murder and having an addiction is an illness. Given a man who chose to lie to the American people on a daily basis a platform for his redemption says a lot about ABC and yes those who have no problem with it.
Mary, now show me a politician or PR person who HASN’T ‘lied’.
Best comment yet. You win.
First, can we stop with the stupid “snowflake crybaby” nonsense already? You realize that doesn’t do anything to help validate your argument, right?
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Second, having a difference of thought is one thing. The issues with Spicer, as well as the administration he worked for, go well beyond that. But way to totally dismiss and minimize people’s valid complains.
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Third, you’re right, it is a dance show. Thing is, however, when a dance show brings political figures on as contestants, then shocker of shockers, people are going to comment on that aspect of things as a result. If we had people from Democratic administrations showing up here, the same thing would happen there. Shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, that.
No people would be cheering if a clinton or obama was on DWTS.
First, I said “people are going to comment“. Even if people were cheering ,that’s still commenting.
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Second, if you honestly think there wouldn’t be the same kind of complaining coming from the right if there were a Democrat on here, that’s hilarious. Trust me, they’d get their fair share of grips, too. Hell, depending on the person, there’d be people on the left who wouldn’t be happy with them, either (Anthony Weiner, for instance, given the controversy around his scuzzy scandals).
News flash. There are plenty of people associated with this show and many others who are liberals. Practically all of Hollywood. You don’t hear many complaints about having to watch them on DWTS. I’ll be giving all my votes to Sean Spicer just because of Tom Bergeron’s assinine comments. First time I’ve ever taken it upon myself to do so. Otherwise, i could care less about this show and many others. Only reason I’m watching is because someone else in the house watches. I don’t think much of anything on the television anymore.
And yet nobody cares that a sex and drug addict/adulterer/cheater is also part of the cast? What is wrong with people?
I don’t know which of the other cast members this applies to, but drug addiction is a disease, not a disqualifying factor. Adultery and cheating? Morally ambiguous, but clearly accepted in a free society. Hell, adulterers and cheaters even get elected President.
Ray Lewis may have killed a person. Is that morally ambiguous?
Oh? Was that point mentioned in the post I replied to? Sure seems like my reply only addressed that specific post…
Lamar Odom is who the OP was referring to…
Well look who people voted for in the highest office. Sorry addiction is a disease so given them a second chance shouldn’t bother any decent human being.
But who will want to dance with him?
Good people on both sides?
You win the internet today
When former presidential candidate Rick Perry was on DWTS he became a joke with the late night comics. No talent. All ego.
Maybe it will be the same with Spicer.
Shame on ABC!!! this is a free country..
folks if all political beliefs should be considered as contestants. This is why network TV is losing its luster … won’t be watching if this is the way networks behave.. ours is a democratic ( democrat & republican, conservative as well as liberal mindsets) . We are free not under a ‘dictatorship’… !!!
Your comment makes absolutely no sense. ABC hired the guy to compete. He’s competing. Dancing with the Stars has featured many Conservative Republican political contestants, from former governors to Tucker Carlson. You should be applauding them for hiring Spicer. Next time, try actually reading a story before making such a dumb, unfair, WRONG. comment.
I obviously hate Trump, but I’m all for Sean Spicer DANCING on a reality show. It should be hilarious. Still, I’m rooting for Mary Wilson or Christie Brinkley.
I’m not really ok with it. It’s like Fallon ruffling Trump’s here. It’s normalizing abnormal behavior. This show is designed to make viewers empathize and like contestants. Should we empathize with a guy that belittle reporters, lied to the American people, defended Hitler, and worked for someone who is openly racist, offensive, and whose wife claimed was a rapist?
Bless. Used to be that if we didn’t like something, we just wouldn’t watch.
#spoiledbrats
This.
Won’t be watching…this show just keeps adding questionable people and frankly it’s not interesting at all.
Here we go! It’s an entertainment show. Where’s the harm. He was doing his job….this is what’s wrong wrong with our country!! Good grief if I can WATCH Lamar Odom after all his stuff?. I can watch Sean Spicer…
Agree. I’m as democrat and liberal as you can be but people are acting like he killed someone and should never be allowed on tv. I don’t watch DWTS but if the producers think he’ll bring something or viewers to the show so be it.
CIP, do you know Ray Lewis’ background?
Why because you don’t give a platform to a man with no character trying to make a comeback due to his own making. You know the saying you made your bed lie in it.
ABC will lose a lot of viewers because of Sean Spicer and I am definitely one that will not be watching
Well they could just not vote for him to stay…..
I always thought stars are entertainers. With that limitation, Sean Spicer wouldn’t qualify anyway. But I realize DWTS has pretty much reached a point that they have to take what they can get.
Then perhaps ABC should stick with their decision and let the American people that he lied to vote him off…
… or not. Let the viewers decide.
I will NOT be watching this idiocy on my screen. Sean Spicer is an stain on this country and it’s completely embarrassing that ABC is trying to legitimize someone who lied DAILY to the American public.
And yes, I also object to Ray Lewis and Lamar Odom. Way to go, ABC. Trashy With the “Stars” is a hard pass.
When they introduced Sean Spicer in front of a podium I gasped!! It shows such poor judgement and bad taste
Sean Spicer’s first time in front of a podium as press secretary was classic…he ripped the skin off the media. Please, DWTS…cast Stephen Miller…the one administration official I would PAY to watch if he were press secretary. I hope Sean surprises and blows everyone away.
Well Tom, if you don’t ASK Sean anything political, he won’t SAY anything political. DUH. He’s there to dance, not host a weekly opinion show. The problem is with YOU, not him. He’s at least willing to put himself forward and have some fun in the process.
Do you even know the network wants as many eyeballs as possible for your show? They would sell the “B” in ABC to get Sean Hannity or Chris Cuomo or Rachel Maddow or…anyone. So lighten up, do your job as host, and let America decide who stays or goes each week.