'Dancing' Pro Lacey Schwimmer Fights Back Against Weight Criticism

Access Hollywood - October 27, 2008 11:11 AM PDT
Story photo: 'Dancing' Pro Lacey Schwimmer Fights Back Against Weight CriticismAccess Hollywood

"Dancing With the Stars" professional Lacey Schwimmer is standing strong following comments her fellow pros recently made about her weight in the media.

"As a woman, and a dancer, I am confident and happy with the way I look," Lacey, who in her first "DWTS" season is partnered with former *NSYNC star Lance Bass, told Access Hollywood. "While it is unfortunate that two of my colleagues were compelled to express opinions about my body, and the bodies of other talented women on 'Dancing With the Stars,' I suppose they are entitled to them."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Highlights of 'Dancing With The Stars' Season 7

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, last week, professionals Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Louis Van Amstel, expressed their dissatisfaction with the figures of Cheryl Burke and Lacey.

"When I first saw these women this season, I said, 'Guys, you know the camera adds 10 pounds,'" Maks previously told TV Guide. "'You have to do something about this.'"

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 'Dancing With The Stars' Season 7

And Louis, who is not on "DWTS" this season, but was paired with Priscilla Presley in Season 6, was also critical of his female counterparts.

"[People] look at this show to be inspired and think, 'If I just work hard enough, I can look like that," Louis also told TV Guide. "If they watch someone who's dancing her butt off and she's still heavy, they can be discouraged. You have to take that responsibility."

As for Lacey, who is reportedly still recovering from a knee surgery last year, she is ready to inspire fans watching at home, regardless of her fellow pros comments.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Reality Stars

"[I]... will focus on my work and being the best partner possible for Lance, and hopefully set an example for any girl watching who wants to dance -- no matter what size she is or what she may look like," Lacey's statement to Access concluded.

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: Dish Of Salt: Is 'Dancing With The Stars' Cursed?
PLAY IT NOW: 'DWTS' Elimination Show Wrap-Up (Oct. 21, 2008)

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Dancing With the Stars - Lance Bass - TV - Reality TV

comments

comments

comments 1-10 of 11  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • Claire B
    Lacey (my favorite pro) and cheryl (I like her too) are probably the most REAL people in the show. A lot of them are so materialistic and so conscious about EVERYTHING. I had respect for maks but now hes lost it after saying stupid useless things like this. Be a gentleman for gods sakes. Now we know that maks only attracted to karina just for her damn size 0 body.
    report abuseposted January 25, 2009 5:58 AM PST
  • melliemel
    I am pleased to see all the positive comments about Cheryl and Lacey. They are both strong, beautiful, sexy, talented women. I am inspired by them both. All the women on the show are beautiful but if I could have my ideal body I would like one of these two and not be able to count every rib and look like I might break in two! The men who made these comments should not be back on the show.
    report abuseposted November 11, 2008 11:37 AM PST
  • Bottomup
    I think all the ladies on the show are awsome! The size of their body, does not matter, it proves that every size woman can dance and look fantastic. I think Lacey is a beautiful person and dances her butt off ! I agree the male dancers need to get off the soap box about being a size zero to dance, Lacey has made it this far and it's not on how she looks, she is a professional! Go
    report abuseposted November 10, 2008 7:06 PM PST
  • Chanelmyst
    I think Cheryl and Lacey have the most lovely bodies. I can't believe that chauvenisitic men are allowed to talk like that .. Who the *$#$*#do you think you are anyways. For years I watch DWTS and always admired Cheryl's body. So clam up about bodies. Not everyone should be a manniken.
    report abuseposted November 10, 2008 5:14 PM PST
  • Valerie B
    Both of these women are strong and beautiful.I think it could possibly be a bunch of sour grapes from these guys because they aren't quite as good when it comes to dance skills..have they won yet..not~! grow out of your grade school behaviour boys and take that time to do some dance practice instead of just flapping your lips!..You gals both rock!!!
    report abuseposted November 9, 2008 11:28 AM PST
  • Jessica I
    Get all the skinny b!^@%*s a loaf of bread already! We have enough teen girls starving themselves. Healthy does not equal skinny. Hate to enlighten ya.....
    report abuseposted October 28, 2008 8:06 AM PDT
  • Penguin Luver
    those guys need to be slapped both lacey and cheryl are both beautiful women, and they aren't big at all, the guys need to get there heads out of their asses and respect their fellow dancers
    report abuseposted October 27, 2008 4:42 PM PDT
  • NICHOLE C
    I love Lacey, I think she is beautiful and talented and I'm glad she is standing up to the comments made. That is just ridiculous. It is inspiring to a lot of women that you don't have to be a stick to look sexy and get jobs on tv, but there is always someone there to bring ya down. I don't watch DWTS, but it is nice to know Lacey is doing well since SYTYCD!!!!
    report abuseposted October 27, 2008 12:47 PM PDT
  • Julia
    OMG!!!!! I soooooooo cannot believe what pompous a**es Maks and Louis are. What right do they have the to critisize? I mean really? Who the heck gave them the right to judge? Their attitude toward the woman body that may be a bit fuller than a 2x4 makes me like them even less than I did before. Hope you can tap guys, because IMO you've lost your ballroom eligance with these comments!
    report abuseposted October 27, 2008 12:12 PM PDT
  • Ronna B
    The people who are criticizing Lacey are shallow,%@!*#s! She is both beautiful and talented! This country is disgustingly preoccupied with judging others bodies! Get off her back,and take alook in the mirror,people!! Dont judge others unless YOU want to be judged!
    report abuseposted October 27, 2008 11:16 AM PDT
comments 1-10 of 11  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

Post A Comment

sign in to post a comment.

sign in

Help us to improve! - Send Your Suggestions