Family Is Suing Dancing With The Stars Pro Val Chmerkovskiy and CBS
People is reporting that a family is suing Dancing With The Stars pro Val Chmerkovskiy and CBS. Below is more detail from the People article…
A family is suing Val Chmerkovskiy for allegedly sharing a meme that mocks their daughter, who has Down syndrome.
According to the lawsuit obtained by PEOPLE, Chmerkovskiy shared a meme of the girl, which includes a photo of her drinking a soda along with the text, “Letting your kid become obese should be considered child abuse.”
The lawsuit claims the photo was taken in June 2008 while the girl was at a baseball game without the family’s knowledge. The photographer allegedly posted the photo soon after on his Flickr account with the text, “Everything that’s wrong with America.”
The photo eventually became a meme in 2014, and the lawsuit claims that the Dancing with the Stars pro, 29, helped it go viral when he allegedly shared it on his Facebook page in January. The lawsuit says the meme also appeared on cbsnews.com, and is naming CBS as a defendant, as well as the original photographer.
“Although we have not yet been served a copy of the complaint, we have removed the photo in question from a gallery that was published in 2011,” a rep for CBS told PEOPLE in a statement.
To read more, see People.
I’ve been seeing talk about this for weeks and now it’s gotten to this height so I’m going to share my thoughts on it because why not.
My stance on the matter is that it was a dumb thing for him to post (I rolled my eyes and groaned when I saw it). I know he used it to spread another message in favor of protecting kids (which was also controversial but he said he knew and was fine with the opinions of others) but it was poor judgement and lack of thinking on his part and now he’s being accused of “malicious intent” towards a young girl. And this is far from the first time Val has done something like this on social media. He may have good intentions but he really needs to be more careful as to what he posts.
So yeah, he did it without thinking and that’s not good, but I think 6 million dollars is waaaaaay too much to sue for in this case (well actually I think suing him for any amount-especially after he removed the image-is kind of ridiculous but this is another level). They’re suing the photographer for way less than that, so I think the 6M Val is being sued for is the family taking advantage of his celebrity status.
That said, I don’t think they can win unless it is proved his intent was “malicious” which I don’t see how they can. The PR damage has already been done though so even if they lose maybe they can take solace in that. 😛
The reaction on both sides has by-and-large been almost as ridiculous as the amount of money the family wants IMO. There’s the crowd who has labelled him a monster based on how the media is telling the story (a lot of outlets are acting like he only posted the meme and his intent was to make fun of her, and others seem to think he created it himself). And then there are the ardent Val supporters who are acting like he’s dying of cancer and starting hashtags on twitter for him. They are literally calling him a “victim”. Ridiculous IMO. (And don’t even get me started on that reference to it on tour.)
Basically I’m not entirely sure how I feel about the situation but I do think at this point all sides have blown it way out of proportion.
I agree that Val is the money target in this situation along with CBS. I don’t believe he had malicious intentions just foot in mouth disease. The C brothers are notorious for saying dumbass things on twitter under the guise of “truth”. I understand the family’s anger at how their daughter was portrayed but taking the image down and a sincere apology for his lack of sensitivity and common sense seems more in line with the offense. Having a lawyer on speed dial would seem more of “what’s wrong with America.” Freedom of speech is a lovely thing but wielding it like a machete on social media has gotten many people in trouble.
I agree with both of you. It is stupidity on both sides, and I only feel sorry for the child involved in this unnecessary mess. I’m curious to know how it was referenced on the tour.
They did a piece on it on GMA today too and a lawyer talked on how this case might turn out ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCk50uDkkP8 ). Also, I’m wondering how this will effect Val’s job on DWTS this next season?
Yeah like I said before, I don’t think the family will win but I’ve been wondering what DWTS will do now. I know other people on the show have been caught under fire for things and they were brought back. They haven’t kicked him off tour yet which I was half-expecting but at this point I’m not too sure they’ll bring him back for this season if this isn’t resolved in the near future.
If I were this child’s parents, I would be furious! Freedom of speech should not be harnessed, but a child should never be used to get a point across no matter who you are. I feel sad for all concerned.
The issue I have is that the meme he used has been around for years, and seen hundreds of times, but now is a problem all of a sudden? Val had good points expressed in a dumb way, for sure, but he didn’t make the meme himself yet that’s what this family is acting like happened.
I agree to an extent about protecting a child, but how is the mother going to TMZ, and other media and making it into a circus protecting her?
It’s unfortunate that it’s come to this because I think the family could’ve done some good in the situation and educated the public with regards to down syndrome and the affects it can have on the body like obesity. Instead they just see dollar signs.
IIRC, Val’s mom is/has not exactly been svelte, so I’d be interested to what he would say of the example she’s set for him and Maks in that? Does he think this has impacted her life and happiness? In typical hypocritical Chmerkovskiy fashion, he’d probably get defensive and tell me to mind my business on things I know nothing of.
Anyway, while I do think that Val could&shoulda ‘exercised’ better judgment & expression, his intent seems the opposite of malicous and the seekage of 6 freakin’ million dollars seems frivolous. Then again, I don’t know the implications and/or precedent for using an unpermitted photo of an anonymous person (let alone a minor) on social media, so…
As for his status on the show, since DWTS continued to employ his brother after worse, I doubt they’ll flinch at this. Heck, TPTB are probably banking on this story lingering and bringing some buzz and gawkish viewers to the show.
I wonder how this was referenced on the tour?
He’s the victim as opposed to a child with DS?? Yeah, that’s logical. Only not.
The only thing I’m going to say in this mess is that, as a celebrity, you make your thoughts and opinions known to a MUCH larger audience than that which would ordinarily see such a meme. That comes with a responsibility. You can call the family money grubbing if you want, but the fact is people like ME had never even heard of or seen this meme until he posted it. THAT is the issue the family is likely upset about. It doesn’t “go away” once someone with that many followers posts it. Me and my 68 followers have virtually no impact on such a meme’s spread. Someone with 600k followers has a much larger impact. I’m guessing that’s probably where they’re going to claim “damage”.
Just because something is in the media, it doesn’t mean the mother is the one who put it there. Just sayin’ you’re making a pretty big leap. TMZ is in the business of watching court filings and then chasing down any lead related to it. I doubt very much they need too much help from the family to get their leads and stories.
I told myself I wasn’t even going give this any thought, since it’s just kinda typical of the behavior I’ve come to expect from Val, but I’m just going to put this out there: part of me wonders if none of this would have happened if Val hadn’t been so dismissive of the mother’s request via email to remove the picture. I remember John once telling me that you can avoid the bulk of any potential legal issues you might encounter online if you honor someone’s (reasonable) request to remove a picture – maybe it’s a picture of the person that they didn’t necessarily give consent for, or they own the picture and didn’t authorize you to use it, etc. Going to court takes time, effort, and money – and unless someone has been really flagrantly violated by someone posting a picture of them or stand to profit a great deal from a lawsuit, most aren’t going to go through the trouble of taking you to court. I would almost put money on it if Val had apologized via email and honored the mom’s request to remove the picture, she probably would have let the issue drop – but it sounds like he may have used it more as an opportunity to continue his misguided soapboxing about childhood obesity, to the child’s mother…and though I don’t have kids, I have seen enough from my mommy friends to know that most mommies tend not to appreciate being told how to raise their children…particularly from people who don’t have kids themselves. I can only imagine she went into to mama tiger mode after that.
Was posting the picture and offering his opinion on Twitter against the law? Of course not, but I don’t think it was necessarily the smartest/most tactful thing to do, either. I’m seeing a lot of misinterpretation of the first amendment, particularly by those defending Val – “free speech” does not mean “I can say whatever I want and not have to deal with the consequences!”; “free speech” only means the government can’t punish you for it..so as long as you’re not inciting crime, making threats, or sharing obscenity/child pornography, you’re good to go as far as the US government is concerned. However, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t still consequences – you’re not immune to criticism for it, and you can be taken to civil court for it. Do I think this woman is going to get $6 mil? Hell no. But I think the hassle of Val having to deal with a lawsuit is probably going to get her point across.
@wynn: Someone did bring up his mother and Val said something along the lines about how much he loves her and that she raised her kids well and that it’s not about what he finds beautiful but about what is healthy.
*next paragraph contains minor tour spoilers so if anyone is going be warned*
The tour thing was during the number with the voiceovers with each pro sharing why they dance. During Val’s part the others usually stand scattered around the stage but the day after the lawsuit made news they were all standing around him in a semicircle looking at him with adoration and some of the hugged him. Those who had no idea about what’s happening probably thought nothing of it but as someone who does know and has seen the normal version and then that clip and the timing of it all it HAD to be a display of support from the others for what is going on right now.
#CM…yes, the meme is not new but as previously stated here there is a big difference between me posting it and someone who has so many followers. He did it bc apparently he wanted to educate and he knows he can reach a lot of people so the same argument goes both ways. When he says offensive things, the victim can claim damages bc Val has the power to influence a lot of people.
I don t think the family is after that money,bc let’s be serious 6mil is ridiculous, but I do think they want to teach him a lesson and by asking a ridiculous amount of money they are keeping it in the press and Val’s image is bound to take a hit. The picture is out there, the damage was done so why not do it. I say good for them. When you are trying to educate by being mean and superficial that says more ab you than those people’s parenting skills. An intelligent person could have made his point using just words.
Thanks for the response/info, Julia. As a gage, I was wondering if he or anyone else in the production addressed the matter directly which it sounds did not happen.
Val’s original post referenced the fact that his Mom has never been svelte, which made his ‘child abuse’ comment rather more garbled than it could have been. But, for him to label every parent with an overweight child an abuser shows his lack of basic intelligence, his lack of experience with parenting, and a complete lack of any awareness as to how to motivate ANYONE to help their kids be healthy, size-wise. Shaming and bullying are just not any way to win friends or influence people! For me, the photo was the least of it…
I’m probably going to annoy someone by saying this but when insane that he posted it all I could think was “this is going to come back to bite him”. I get that he had a certain intention but just typing the message in and not attaching the picture would have been smart. I could only imagine what that little kid felt like. Do I think they will get the amount they want….not a chance. I think that Val’s image definately will take a hit to be honest but he should have thought before posting that. I hope they find who took the picture too so that person gets some kind of punishment too. Don’t get me wrong I know that Val is great wth kids and does all the stuff for the sick kids and he has a whole bunch of pics up with kids that saw the tour and stuff so I don’t think it was malicious but I think (and for the lack of a better term) he had a “brain fart” and didn’t think before posting. Going to be interesting to see if he is back as a pro and if he is the reception he will get. My guess is he won’t be as popular with fans.
I was at the tour last night in West Palm Beach. There was no mention of it. They did NOT circle and hug Val, he just spoke of what dance meant to him like all the others. So that may have been a one night thing. They did ask for volunteers to dance and a 12 yr old girl chose Val. She didn’t know how to dance so the chose a waltz & he did a few steps guiding her & then lifted her and did a spin. While not a Val fan, as the mother of a 12 yr old who was sitting beside me, it was very sweet and he was very kind to the girl.
As for the meme, I have think about if I really want to comment other than to say as a mom if he used a pic of my daughter (who is slim so she’s “ok” to him) I’d be livid.
I agree with what you are saying, Danna.
I think ultimately I am someone who has a tendency to sideeye anyone who sues someone in the public eye. I readily admit that it skews my opinions.
Criticizing kids or their parents on social media falls in the same category as talking about religion and politics. People tend to get super upset over it so it is probably better to just keep your opinions to yourself or at least not air them in a public forum. I don’t think Val thought much about what he was posting but then that is not uncommon for many his age, let alone celebrities. I understand the Mom being upset but I think a law suit for millions of dollars is way over the top. Yes Val should apologize if he hasn’t already and there should be a much smaller payment preferably to a DS charity.I think the lawsuit hurts the child as much as it does Val so I hope they can reach a reasonable settlement. It is certainly not the first or last time someone has done something foolish. I like Val he’s done many more great things for kids,including those with special needs, but yeah he needs to really THINK before he says things. Grace and tact are part of being a mature performer. Hopefully he has learned that lesson.
My thoughts have been since I heard the news, is why with all the kindness he gives to children, what would make him use this picture…regardless of who the child is.He has a great platform to help any organization that he would like to get involved in.Did he even give one moment of thought to think about what if that had been his Mom or his child? I will be shocked if the family wins this lawsuit,but what about just plain kindness in all of this.
#Vin — the photographer is being sued as well.
I don’t think this will affect his job at all. If no steps were taken to make sure that Tamar didn’t drop dead on the dance floor (which would have resulted in extraordinary liability for abc) they’re not going to do anything about a law suit against Val which (in their minds) amounts to free publicity.
Y’know, I can think of one upside about this whole thing: I can’t think of any better reputation repair than Val partnering the show’s first-ever Down Syndrome celeb this season – would be kinda neat to see Jamie Brewer from American Horror Story or Madeline Stuart, the first ever Down Syndrome model.
As a celebrity, Val is granted many benefits of exposure, money, access, etc. But with that notoriety comes a greater responsibility to know what to say and how to say it. No one disagrees that child obesity is a problem, but goddamn if that boy doesn’t understand why it was wrong to post that pic of that girl. I’d be friggen livid if I was her parents too – ESPECIALLY after requesting he take it down and his refusal – what a numskull. That would send me looking into my legal options too.
While most people think it’s money-hungry people that sue famous people for big bucks (it does happen, of course) a six-million-dollar lawsuit sounds frivolous, the lawyers likely know that they aren’t going to get anything near that – if anything – but that kind of punitive damages puts people on notice and drives change in behavior – not just for Val, but for anyone that might post questionable material, especially those with the added responsibility of their celebrity. So in that, I say good for that family – they probably won’t see much money, but they will likely see results. THAT is the benefit of these kind of legal matters. Make it more painful to be stupid and careless than to be cognizant and considerate.
Also I’m TOTALLY sickened by the I Support Val crap. Sharna’s rant on social media greatly lowered my esteem of her. This whole “fam” thing is cultish. Why don’t they learn from Val’s mistakes and learn to shut up? He is not a victim here – the young girl he mocked is.
Court – agreed on everything. I would love to have someone with DS on the show, and I think it’d be good for Val (not just his image either).
Hell, it’d be good for the show – we’ve had 3 amputees, a deaf woman, a burn victim, and a trans man; maybe it’s time to widen the contestant pool those with mental disabilities as well. Prove that they, too, are capable of learning and enjoying dancing.
Even if all this hadn’t blow up like it did, I would still say now is a great time to cast a Down Syndrome contestant – seems like the next logical frontier to cross on the show.
Excellent idea, Court. I love it!
They kind of did that this past season with Gary Busey, Courtney.
I know people see him as a special brand of crazy, and the show’s intentions were that he’s entertaining in that way, but hey.
I agree with you though, it would be very cool, but I’m not sure it would repair Val’s reputation, especially to have it as soon as this season. It could actually do the opposite if people think it’s the main reason it’s being done. If that makes sense.
I also think it would be cool to have a blind contestant. Usually the celebs learn by watching and mimicking the pros movements, so it would be interesting seeing how it would be taught.
Even if the lawsuit is dismissed outright, it is invaluable for that girl to experience her parents standing up for her, championing the idea that exploiting her was wrong. Take it from someone whose parents never did.
I just think that Val didn’t think before he acted; and this time it backfired. This will leave a stain on his image for a long time. I don’t blame the mother for being upset; if it were my child I would be upset. And, I agree that the person who took the picture and exposed it to the public in the first place she be reprimanded also. I really don’t think that Val was being malicious or mean; because he loves kids; but he didn’t use his head and think about the flack he would get. He’s not a parent, and so he doesn’t known how parents can be offended, and in this case with good reason.
I was thinking the same thing, Courtney! Even if they couldn’t get someone with DS, someone with a physical or mental disability of some kind paired with Val would be interesting to see for sure and could do major damage control from this. (I’ve actually kinda wanted this for awhile but now would be the perfect time.) If it were to be someone with DS I would love Lauren Potter from Glee to do the show. I remember seeing her support Amber in the audience during her season. 🙂
I love that idea of Jamie Brewer! She is awesome on American horror story. I would add the girl from glee to that list too that played Becky.
Gary Busey has brain damage yes, but to have someone with a developmental challenge from birth such as Down Syndrome would be very different. Gary was already famous when he got into the accident – and as someone recovering from a severe concussion and a mother with brain damage – I take those as very different things than as someone who was born with specific challenges.
That being said, I do agree that maybe waiting a season or two would be wise, but I wouldn’t count on the producers not having a knee-jerk reaction.
I also agree that Val was not being malicious and he does love kids – but a part of me wonders if he loves people knowing he loves kids even more – if that makes sense. That might just be my cynicism about Val creeping in though. Regardless, as dumb as this whole debacle was, the worst thing was not heeding the request of the parent to take down the image. I can’t imagine what was going on in his head to refuse them.
I”m with you, Fig, on Sharna’s rant. Very poor choice by her and lowered my opinion of her also.
Count me as another who would love to see someone developmentally disabled such as the the actresses or model with DS have a chance to be a contestant on DWTS. I know I’ve read about these young women and some of those inspired by them for some time. And they have experience working as professionals already so they are “stars” as much as quite a few others who have been offered this opportunity.
Of course, the producers might need advice from a consultant in order to be sure to provide for the needs of their celeb and also to not exploit them unattractively. But it would be a huge attention getter for the show. I’m just not sure Val C. would be the right partner for a celebrity with special needs unfortunately. I expect his manager will fix him up with some one time charity event that will be publicized and figure he’s covered.
As someone who is a fan of Val, voted for him and his partners I am bitterly disappointed in his actions. Doubling down when he was clearly in the wrong was just so terrible on so many levels. We don’t know how devastating it would be to a young girl that she got noticed for all the wrong reasons. DS are more likely to develop obesity due to hypothyroidism and the girl is attending a weight management program, so this comes across as highly insensitive and bullying.
Not to mention that a lot of these dancers, including Val and Maks are smokers. What right do they have to point out who is fit and who isn’t? I just thought he would be a little smarter than this.
Val and Maks smoke? I thought most of them had quit by now. I know Derek quit a long time ago and Mark quit recently.
Heidi – I know Maks, Peta, Cheryl, and I think Karina currently smoke (or at least I have seen them doing so recently) but I’m not sure who else does/did in the past other than Derek and Mark.
There are recent pictures, like pap pictures, of maks and peta smoking. There’s a reason why gorgeous peta and maks are aging terribly. :/
You guys made me curious. I had to look up Sharna’s rant. Yikes. Was she talking about Val or Mother Teresa? I can’t speak to Val as a person, I usually keep my comments to his displayed behavior. He may be a great person but it definitely is shrouded in a lot of jackassery. Also, his exploits with children are always heralded on his twitter feed. I’d be more impressed if he went about his altruism more anonymously. Val was wrong and no amount of blind cheerleading by Sharna will obscure that fact. Her attack on the family was especially galling. Do they deserve that kind of money for what happened? Of course not but Val is the one on the hot seat not them. Looks like Val isn’t the only one who should check his mouth at the twitter door.
I think this whole talk about Down Syndrom, even though of course very important, is kinda missing the point. Val didn’t know the kid had Down Syndrom but even if the kid didn’t have Down Syndrom it would still be wrong to post a picture of someone (kid or not) you don’t know to make a point using them as a negative example. Val would never have used a picture of someone he knows because that would be totally disrespectful but somehow it isn’t when the person is a stranger? I totally agree that he should have stuck to using words no need for a picture.
Casting someone with Down Syndrom and assigning them to Val would only make this a publicity stunt and no one deserves that. I actually think they should cast Glee’s Ashley Fink and pair her with Val.
If they ever cast a Down Syndrom celebrity I think that Sasha would be a great partner for them. Sasha isn’t that popular as a pro so it would actually be about the celebrity and not about the pro.
Personally I think $5 million dollars is outrageous. I do agree that childhood obesity is out of control, but Val’s actions were inexcusable. If Val had really wanted to send a message out on childhood obesity… he had the tools to do it in a respectful and mature manner.
And shame on Sharna.. This isn’t the first time that she was in the dog house for remarks that she made on twitter. My respect for her is going downhill fast.
Hi everyone!! I’ve been out of touch for awhile. Great to back.
I cringed the moment I saw that meme and remember thinking he should take it down. We all make mistakes, but to me the most telling was how people are saying he responded to the mother. If he ultimately apologized then I’d agree the lawsuit is frivolous, but if he stood firm then I can understand why they went there. The whole incident is ironic since, as already noted, his own mother is considerably overweight. I would never have expected him to be judgmental on that particular issue.
As I understand it, the complaint was filed in Federal Court in Tennessee. Apart from the merits of the suit, which will be decided by the court, defending a lawsuit is expensive, even just preparing a motion to dismiss requires attorney time (which means money). If motions to dismiss are submitted by any or all of the defendants, there will probably be oral arguments scheduled so the judge can hear the parties positions (more attorney time to prepare — which means more expenditures by the defendants). If the judge does not grant the motion to dismiss, then discovery will begin, which typically includes depositions (requiring attorney time and travel). Given what I’ve observed about Val’s verbal skills, I don’t think that he would be the most effective witness on his own behalf.
If Val is paying out of pocket for his own defense and doesn’t have liability insurance to cover the costs, this could be an expensive lesson for him and also for the photographer.
I agree with @Geri that Sasha would be a good partner for a young woman with Down Syndrome. I fear that Val would be too impatient to provide a good learning experience for someone who may have challenges learning something new.
World Down Syndrome Day is 3/21/2016 (because people with Down Syndrome have a 3rd 21st chromosome). It is a global awareness day about Down Syndrome and there are events all over the world to raise awareness.
I get that Val “might not be the best partner” for someone with Down Syndrome, but what’s the alternative? Continue to give him entitled princesses (like Janel & Tamar) and sweet-but-desperate girls that will fawn over his every word (like Danica & Rumer)…all with some sort of dance experience? No, I think the only thing that’s really gonna help him grow as a pro is having a partner that actually challenges him – and forces him to become more patient and compassionate. Who knows, he might surprise us – when the chips are down, he may be able to really pull out a softer side.
Then again, I had hoped that winning would have somewhat of a gentling effect on him, like it did with Tony – and it seems to have only made him into an even bigger sociopath.
I think “jackassery” might be my new favorite word. 🙂
Ditto to everything you said @Courtney #45. It will also show Val fans, whom he rally to defend him on social media, who “the real” Val is.
As far as lawsuit, you can never underestimate what those lawyers can do. Anyone remember about the lawsuit against McDonald hot coffee? Who knew spilling coffee on your lap after buying it from a drive thru can win you nearly $3 million? Of course it might be a different case with Val but I have a feeling the family might have a chance on winning. And in Val case it’s a habitual thing that he does, offend someone then apologize or play victim later. As a public figure especially on a show like DWTS, he really needs to be careful on what he said or post. And he’s lucky he’s employed by DWTS. Many business company with strict conduct and policy will get him suspended.
#Thiana Doing something to “show Val’s fans … who ‘the real’ Val is” is a losing proposition. They only see what they want to see.
And considering that someone on the scene felt compelled to tell Val he was acting like a douchebag to Bindi leaves me convinced that trying to elicit his “softer side” is also a losing proposition. I definitely agree that Val should be given someone to challenge him, but I don’t think it should be someone who has more than typical vulnerabilities.
$6 million might seem like a lot of money for this, but given the few law classes I’ve taken it makes some sense to me. Lawyers ALWAYS beef up the amount as much as they can. First, if the case is to settle (and lawyers on both sides usually want to settle) then you have a higher starting point to bargain from. It’s like the sticker price of a car. The dealer makes it artificially high to try to get more money from the customer. Second, if the case actually goes through, it’s to make sure not to leave any money on the table. I remember watching a video of the Baltimore DA (when she was in college) on Judge Judy. At the end Judge Judy asks her “Did you ask for punitives? No? That’s to bad because I would’ve given them to you.” Judge Judy gave her everything she asked for, but she could’ve received more. That’s a lawyer’s NIGHTMARE. So $6 million is probably high, but I don’t blame the mom or lawyers or anyone. It’s sound legal strategy. I’m not a lawyer, but I’m guessing these factors played a part in coming up with the number.
On another note, I had a member of a famous band tweet something really rude to me when I was 16 or 17. Afterwards, I was bombarded by offensive tweets and all sorts of hurtful things. I ended up having to make a new Twitter because it got to be way too much. What I went through isn’t even close to what this girl and her family went through, and I was still very hurt by it. Social media is a very powerful tool for celebrities, and Val really has a lot to learn about how delicately it needs to be used. He’s stepped in it before, and it seems like he hasn’t learned. Maybe something like this will teach him a lesson. I doubt it, but maybe.
@Courtney My reasons for not wanting Val to be partnered with a celeb with special needs, especially someone with DS, is concern for the contestant and THEIR experience. I think you’re 100% right that DWTS should be looking into the possibility of bringing on a contestant with developmental disabilities, probably DS or a type of Autism. It would be a lightning rod for media coverage and maybe new viewers. But I hope they would do their homework carefully. Perhaps a consultant about how best to instruct a contestant who might have a different learning process or unforeseen physical limitations.
As for Val, I honestly don’t think the DWTS producers, or Val himself, think he needs to grow or change as a pro. While I don’t like him, he has an alarming number of fans. Val’s a Mirror Ball Champion and a tour headliner. And I expect, he’ll continue to be given partners expected to at the least get to the semi-finals each season. They want/need to keep him on screen and so they won’t take a chance and give him a partner who might not get there with him. The ones who obviously won’t get that far go to Tony or maybe Artem. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Keo partnered with a ringer next to insure that he gets beyond week 3. They’ll perhaps give Derek a challenging partner, if they’ve hired one, because challenges keep him interested in DWTS.
I was surprised to see Rumer attacking the family. She always spoke about being bullied on social media when she was younger and how upsetting it was. How does she think it’s OK for Val to use a picture of a child to backup his comments? He can say what he wants, but putting a child at risk to be bullied is not OK. All of his support fam completely miss the point. I am curious to know what Tony thinks. Doesn’t he have a child with special needs? If he put himself in those parents’ place, what would he have to say? I don’t think any parent would agree with what Val did.
+1 to everything you said, Laura.
And I’ll preface this with the fact that Val had turned me off seasons ago. Because of his personality. But this kerfluffle is a prime example. What gives a childless man with no special qualifications concerning health or nutrition to “begin a dialog” about childhood obesity and parenting to begin with?!! The height of arrogance! Even if Val hadn’t posted a photo with his diatribe, it still would have been obnoxious at the least.
As you can expect, Val’s FB post drew criticism quickly. And a request by the mother of the child who’s photo was used, to take it down. Yet Val left it up for 3 days. I can only guess what other stupid statements he made to those who didn’t agree with him based on other social media rants he’s made. But I expect there is a record of it all since a lawyer agreed to file this. Obviously, it was ugly enough that they want some people to learn lessons here.
For me, the kind of man this is shows in Val’s response. He’s out there saying that he hopes his side will be heard eventually! The only thing Val should be saying is, “I was out of line. I understand embarrassing a child publicly was wrong. And I’m sincerely sorry.” But of course, that’s not the man that he is.
Weird, all the comments on this post but three aren’t showing up. Feel free to delete this if desired/resolved/notified
@Fig Sorry I think it was a configuration issue on the site. I think one of the updates caused it to happen. All the comments should appear now. Let me know if they aren’t.
@Colleen, legally Val shouldn’t say anything until the case is done.
Eh, Colleen, Val is all DWTS has in terms of a tour headliner. They aren’t likely to get either Derek or Mark (or the more popular brother, Maks). Derek has a much larger fanbase, going strictly by social media and regular media mention and Mark’s is about the same as Val’s. This will go one of two ways – either Val will get to be too hot to handle, or this will settle down and the producers will give him another ringer to try to capitalize on the existing, albeit negative, publicity. I expect that if it’s the latter, there will be some attempts at image rehab, both subtle and not. Whatever is most beneficial for the producers.
They’re showing up for me, Fig. Kinda weird.
Someone above mentioned the infamous McDonald’s coffee settlement, which has become the go-to reference when discussing “frivolous” lawsuits. The facts of the case are anything but – the coffee maker was making the water too hot to safely serve, and the woman suffered third-degree burns requiring skin grafts, over a week in the hospital, years of physical therapy, and permanent scarring.
The only money she initially sought was to cover her hospital bills and some small amount of lost wages for her daughter while she helped care for her – like a total of about 20 thousand dollars. Instead, McDonald’s offered to settle for something insulting like 800 dollars. THAT is why the case went to court and it was discovered that they had HUNDREDS of complaints over the too-hot coffee and injuries, so the jury gave a huge amount in punitive damages – and you can bet they changed the coffee maker and their standards for safety so it wouldn’t happen again.
That so-called frivolous lawsuit probably prevented hundreds of additional injuries and the case is now regularly studied in law school.
Thanks guys – yes they are all showing up now. Yay!
Apparently, this photo with the caption “everything wrong with America” has been out there for two years. I do recall seeing it somewhere (because of the size of the cup) and I did not notice the girl had Downs’ Syndrome. I don’t think Val intentionally or maliciously wanted to hurt this girl. I do think that while the issue of healthy eating and obesity in children is valid, Val showed poor judgment to share the meme.
I recall seeing other photos of Val and other DWTS pros meeting and dancing with young girls who were either sick or disabled in some way. So he should apologize and use it as a means to raise awareness. I also know that people with Downs’ Syndrome often struggle with weight control. Maybe Val should start a dancing program at his studios for people with many disabilities.
Unfortunately, the filing of a million dollar lawsuit only serves to distract and prevent a constructive response.
Princess Heidi,
I know Derek is far more popular (and talented) than Val. I adore Mark’s work on DWTS too. But the producers are undoubtably aware that Maks has moved on, at least from working as a pro. Also, that Derek and Mark have other interests and opportunities so they might move on at any time. So Val is not only probably the 3rd biggest draw for them, he’s likely to stay until the end. As you say, they might even welcome Val C being in the news, as long as public opinion doesn’t become totally negative. And I expect, either Val’s publicist or DWTS’ is already proposing various one off charitable events he can attend. I just don’t see them benching Val, even for a season. Or partnering him with a celeb with DS.
Unfortunately, I personally doubt this will have any effect on Val’s hoof in mouth disease. I think it’s not only that he speaks, or writes, without thinking. There is a huge underlying arrogance and conceit to Val’s personality that seems too deeply ingrained to change much. In my opinion, Val C had NO BUSINESS “trying to start a dialog” about childhood obesity or parenting in America. He isn’t either a parent or an expert in diet or nutrition! So Val C was obnoxious in even going there, without even the inappropriate photo and caption. He’s out there saying he hopes some day he gets to tell “his side of the story.” When the only appropriate response for Val to have would be to say, “I was out of line. I realize that now and I’m sincerely sorry for the distress I have caused this young woman and her family.” Followed by some charitable appearances and a donation, that would rehabilitate him in my eyes. But nothing less will.
Yeah, I don’t understand why DWTS producers seems to be so afraid on giving Val challenging partners. He’s followers are nothing compare to Derek, the guy who we all know won 6 MBT. Val need to thank Derek for not being on DWTS tour. I doubt Val will be the headliner if Derek is on, maybe sideliner 😉
@Colleen – Exactly. Val pulled a bit of a Gisele Bundchen or a Gwyneth Paltrow in that respect – an out-of-touch, self-important celebrity piously lecturing the masses on something they have no business lecturing about. And then he just really stepped in it by using the picture – but I think the most bothersome part is that he had multiple opportunities to gracefully retreat and offer an apology; and instead, each time he just doubled down harder and dug an even bigger hole for himself. It does remind me of the McDonald’s lawsuit that Fig mentioned – had McDonald’s just complied early on and said “Hey, our bad, we’re sorry and yes we’ll cover your medical expenses”, I’m sure the lawsuit wouldn’t even be a footnote in a law textbook today. But they decided to take the dismissive route and offer the woman an insulting sum of money instead, which just made things worse – kinda like Val only adding fuel to the fire when the woman emailed him. And now he’s got an even bigger, more public mess to deal with.
Whether Val acted intentionally or not has nothing to do with the harm that was done, which should be the main focus of concern. The question of intention relates only to Val’s level of culpability. To me it is so so so so predictable that this is the issue his supporters have emphasized, something that revolves only and entirely around Val. I agree with this quote from a 1967 Supreme Court case: ” … the arbitrary quality of thoughtlessness can be as disastrous and unfair as the perversity of a willful scheme.” Furthermore, even if the intention was not initially there, the fact that he refused to take it down when asked changed everything, and makes the “I didn’t mean it” defense unavailable.
To be clear, I am not a supporter of Val. I am a fan of DWTS. I did click on the GMA link provided by one of the mods where their legal expert discussed the lawsuit brought by the family. The actual cause of action is “intentional infliction of emotional distress” which involves a very high burden of proof. So his intent is relevant to the lawsuit. Moral responsibility is a different matter.
Yeah, Fig, and it goes to show where arrogance will get you. Instead of someone willing to take something small, arrogance blows it up into something huge.
@thiana the McDonald’s hot coffee case was grossly misinterpreted in the media. The woman sustained first degree burns, gaping open bleeding flesh. Just look up pictures of her burns, they were awful!
Also it is actually very difficult to sue for emotional distress, unless you can prove that the event, etc., caused PTSD and there are other specific criteria that must be met. Tort reform has made sure of that.
This whole thing sickens me. Because I’ve seen that he’s been good with kids I’ve tried over the years to not completely dismiss him but his original comment about it being child abuse and his reaction to request to take it down…I’ve lost any tiny bit of respect I had for him. Playing the victim, poor misunderstood val only makes it way worse. And while I can see his friends sort of passively standing by him, the rant by Sharna really infuriated me because of it’s dismissal of his asshole meme and mostly because of her attack on the family. He has enough suck ups in his circle of fam/friends to reinforce to him how unfairly he’s been treated and how saintly he is, when what he really needs from a friend is someone who will help him see reality.
This seems like such a Val move. He says things and its not all a lie but he does it in the worst ways possible. But I didn’t realize he REFUSED to take it down. Thats such a dick move.
The thing is that the mother asked for him to take down the post of her daughter and he wouldn’t do it. Instead he lectured her. He finally took it down probably due to lawyer advice. I guess I am in the minority, but I have never taken the advice or listened to a lecture by a celeb. I have never bought a product that celeb’s pimp out. Just because they are a celeb, it does not make them smarter and more knowledgeable than I am. Bottom line, Val should have never posted what he did or lecture to the masses, especially when his own mother is heavy set. Just another example of Val showing his arrogance, ego, and stupidity. He should just shut up and dance.
I had never heard that. He actually lectured the mother?!! Now that’s a God complex. Remember the year Maks fat shamed Lacey and Cheryl? There’s no muzzling these guys. If the young ladie’s family really wants to punish him they should stipulate that he has to stay fully dressed for a year as well as banish the words I, me and fam from his vocabulary. I’m starting to think the loss of money is the only way to get through to this guy.