DWTS: Chrishell Stause Responds to Backlash Over Family Gathering
The controversy started when someone commented on the photo, “Please be mindful of your platform." Chrishell added an edit to the Instagram caption.
Like many other celebrities, Chrishell Stause shared photos of her Christmas festivities. After posting on Instagram, the Dancing with the Stars alum faced tons of backlash in relation to the coronavirus crisis. Now, the Selling Sunset star is responding to the criticism.
On Saturday, Chrishell Stause posted a holiday family photo including her new boyfriend, Keo Motsepe. The entire family was wearing grey and white patterned pajamas with red trim. “Introduced [Keo] to the fam. He fit right in,” Chrishell wrote in the Instagram caption. “Merry Christmas everyone from mine to yours!!! Sending you all so much love.” The photo included nine people which sparked controversy in relation to the coronavirus pandemic. The controversy started when someone commented on the photo, “Please be mindful of your platform. It’s not good to show large family gatherings. It makes others think it’s okay.”
Chrishell added an edit to the Instagram caption which was a response to the backlash. “To those bringing up Covid concerns, I understand and agree this was not a good use of my platform. I normally always try to be socially responsible with my posts because I am naturally a compassionate person. I can see how this does not show that to some,” Stause wrote. “I understand you won’t agree, but at least so you can see where I am coming from - This is my immediate family and we all are able to test before and after. This is the first Christmas without our mom we felt important to be there for each other in a tough year.” Chrishell added that “Keo brought such welcomed happiness” which is why she posted the photos. “Please be safe and I am sending all my love to my supporters & critics,” the DWTS alum finished off.
In addition to the first comment, there were tons of other responses regarding the pandemic. Another Instagram user wrote, “Is covid not a thing over there?? I’m in UK and it’s literally illegal for me to see anyone from outside my household lol. Couldn’t even have my parents over for Christmas dinner! Crazy!” Someone else commented, “This is nice, but COVID-19… alot of us are missing our families and celebrities seem to think they are safe from this while blatantly disrespecting the state mandates. Its frustrating to see.” Finally, a user wrote, “Must be nice to have covid tests at your disposal.”
Ultimately, most people appeared to be upset that Chrishell shared the holiday moment on social media, not that it happened in the first place. The reality is, many people are getting together for the holidays regardless of the rules, but choosing to flaunt it on social media is a whole other issue. Since celebrities thrive off of sharing personal anecdotes and moments of their lives, they’re continuing to do so despite the coronavirus. However, many fans feel that it’s a reminder of wealth and privilege disparities.
Source: Chrishell Stause Instagram, Today