Ginzer Zee Talks About Bullies Who Have Given Her A Hard Time For Doing DWTS And More
Is there something wrong with being a Mom and doing Dancing With The Stars? I say NO”!! Apparently, there are some bullies out there who have given Ginger Zee a hard time about it. Snooki and others weigh in too. More below and at People.
“You have to ignore [the judgment], especially social media,” advises Selenis Leyvia, 43, who plays Gloria Mendoza on Orange Is the New Black and is mom to teenage daughter Alina. “Sometimes [people] can be so awful, and when they go out to get you and be mean, they go for it.”
Zee, who recently landed DWTS‘ first perfect score of the season, then reflects on how much differently she handles criticism now that she’s a mom as opposed to during her 15-year career.
“They could say whatever they wanted to me — call me ugly and stupid and I was like, ‘All right,’ ” she says. “But when you’re a mom, it’s like, ‘No, no, I’m really trying!’ ”
ETA: ABC has an article up of how Ginger will celebrate Mother’s Day….
Mother’s Day will be extra special for ABC News chief meteorologist and current “Dancing With the Stars” contestant Ginger Zee this year.
It’s her first as a mom, after giving birth in December to her child with husband Ben Aaron, a son named Adrian.
She plans to spend time with her baby boy on Sunday when she’s not rehearsing for “Dancing With the Stars.”
“We’ll do breakfast or something with the baby and, you know, we’ll do everything we possibly can. We organize it so that I can spend as much time with him,” Zee told ABC News.
To read more, see ABC.
She is not the first, nor will she be the last mother to dance on DWTS. I wonder if all the other mothers have taken flak for this, or perhaps because her child is a newborn. Regardless, I hope she can learn to ignore all that mess.
Remember Brooke and Derek dancing with her baby in the baby sling between them?
Ginger has got to grow a “THICK” skin. Let them talk. If this is what she wants to do and she has a lot of family and friends helping her along. Great for her. However, I hope she is not just saying this for the sympathy “vote”, etc.
Yeah, call me a cynic, but this just seems incredibly manufactured to me (a play for sympathy and pity/solidarity votes).
That’s not to say new moms don’t get stick from some segments of the population for not doing ‘the mom thing’ exactly the way that group thinks it ought to be done. However, this just seems way overplayed. As PH said “remember Brooke and Derek”.
Ginger, don’t make more out of something than it is. Put your big girl panties on and deal! If Ginger and her husband are comfortable with what she’s doing, then do it. Too many people today are ready to cry wolf (or in this case “bullying”) and the result is that the voices of those who really *are* being bullied get lost in all the noise.
I responded to that tweet and supported her. She immediately tweeted me back and thanked me. I thought that was very sweet of her. As a mom, a single mom who worked and commuted 3 hours round trip each day, I will say that other moms can and are some of the nastiest people on earth. This nonsense about women supporting women is just that, nonsense. I can’t tell you how many people feel the need to comment or give unsolicited advice. “I don’t let me kid watch Elmo” “I make all my own baby food.” And as your kid gets older it gets worse. For some reason many moms seem to feel the need to validate THEIR choices by criticizing yours IMO.
I will admit, Ginger being on the show makes me uncomfortable only because her baby is so very very young. I think to a lot of people it comes across as a type of abandonment.
I say “more power to Ginger” if she can handle everything she is doing. You have to grow a thick skin when you are in the “public” view because there will always be the “Daisey Downers” who will try to persecute and criticize no matter what you do. She just may have other motives for talking about this to work in her favor.
I’m just tired of Ginger, period.
Jamie, her baby looks very well loved and taken care of by both her and her husband. Her baby is seen in their rehearsals and being loved by Val and all the cast too. I see no “abandonment” and only the opposite.
+1!!
Cidra, true too. This type of bullying is minor compared to those being severely bullied out there.
My only comment/concern would be that she take care of herself and the baby. It looks like the baby is fine so really now it is just a matter of self care, which honestly, all Moms have a problem with.
I’m not surprised there are people who would have differing opinions on this, but to harass her is ridiculous. I presumed she signed on to get back into shape, which is good for her and the baby who appears to be very happy and healthy and who is always with her and the hubby. It’s not like she left him with a nanny for 3 months so she could go out and have some fun.
I’m sorry I don’t have a ton of sympathy for Ginger. First off the phrase “bullying” has IMO become way over used and those who have really suffered from this are lost in the shuffle. To me, the nasty insulting things that were said about Amy were probably the worst this show has seen, but I don’t recall her going on about it. Considering the pimping she gets as the ABC darling, I think Ginger is making a bit much of this; if she and her husband are okay with it, then ignore the social media comments. She “chose” to do this show at this point in her life and I would have been surprised if some people didn’t question why she would. It’s just the nature of people, I’m afraid. And I do think that the timing of this is suspect, especially as I don’t see a ton of support for her.
# Leigh Perfectly said.
Leigh I understand what u are saying but it’ different when u have a child and people start criticizing and telling you how u should be it’s different when u just have yourself to worry about.
Leigh #14 well said. Some people misuse the word bullying. Amy WAS bullied and yes, she didn’t make a big deal out of it. Ginger have a choice NOT to do the show. She can lose weight without putting herself in the public eyes and not expecting people to criticize her. I’m sure there are lots of dance studios around NYC.
I’ve made it clear several times that Ginger is probably my least favorite contestant left, but I have to respectfully disagree with some of the comments. The idea that since she chose to do this show she should accept and/or brush off the bullying is a little harsh to me.
I’ve seen some really horrible and nasty comments directed at her- accusing her of being a bad mom, not bonding with her baby, being selfish, even child abuse. Just because it might not be as severe as some other contestants have faced doesn’t mean its not real and hurtful to her. I agree that people often mistake disagreement for bullying, but this is straight up bullying to me. I’m a lawyer that works in a field (tax) that’s largely male dominated. The constant criticism and subtle comments really wear down the female lawyers I know who have kids. Its just a daily beating down of their choices, and none of them are right. I really, really feel for Ginger here; I think what she’s facing is a form of bullying, and I’m actually glad she’s talking about it. I can’t imagine its fun to try to balance a kid and work and then go home and read comments about how she’s awful and harming her child.
Now, I 100% agree that Ginger is pushed by GMA/ABC in an extreme and ridiculous way, and I would love to see her go home next, but it makes me incredibly said that while she is trying to do the show there are people that have the nerve to criticize her for doing anything in the public eye while having a kid. Clearly her and her husband have a system that is working for them and that’s all that matters. I also have doubts that any man doing the show with a newborn would face 5% of this criticism.
I was just going to say that, Liz. Stay at home mom’s in particular can be the nastiest people – I think it stems from insecurity and maybe a lack of fulfillment when they get really ugly. Someone has a career AND a family?? They have to try to tear that down to make themselves feel better about their choices.
As for “abandonment?” Bullshit. Women go back to work ALL the time – most don’t have a choice. If you get to stay home with your child, you are one of the privileged. Personally, I think a woman has to do what SHE needs to be happy. That will result in a happy child. Ginger may or may not have a choice about going back to work – but if she doesn’t do what she needs to make herself happy, she’ll end up like those bitter harpies criticizing her. One of the biggest problems in this country is other people trying to project their beliefs and values on to other people – when they should be minding their own f#cking business.
I do agree with Leigh, too, in that the term “bullying” is WAY over used. Also that Amy had it far worse and never complained. The worst thing you can do to people who are being assholes is ignore them. Don’t give them the attention they want.
I agree that bullying is never acceptable and if they are saying nasty things then that isn’t right. I don’t follow her, so I don’t know what is or isn’t said. Personally, I avoid quite a bit of social media because if the negativity associated with it.
But, again if you choose to live your life in the public eye, unfortunately the bad comes with the good. And women tend to be some of the worst when it comes to being nasty particularly about other women. I guess I am just overly sensitive to the use of the word bullying as I have a close friend that experienced it at its worse (being told they were ugly, they should die and no one would miss them etc) and I believe a lot of us are becoming desensitized to it because it used so frequently.
I agree with you chase and leigh. The line between criticism and bullying is fine. I appreciate it when people try to be careful to not cross it. Although im also not a ginger fan i certainly am not happy at her being talked to in hurtful ways. And yes saying she should have expected it is victim blaming which i disagree with. Thats like saying an overweight person should have expected to be bullied after gaining weight. Uh, NO.
I also dont have any social media so i have no idea of the content of the messages shes receiving. Hopefully its criticism and not cruelty.
I’m with Leigh (#21) 100%. While bullying is never acceptable, I really believe the term has become overused and abused which does a terrible disservice to those who truly are being bullied.
Still, I’m sorry Ginger is being bothered by obnoxious women on social media who feel they have a right to throw stones at her and tell her how to raise her child.
So amen PH (#19), who said: One of the biggest problems in this country is other people trying to project their beliefs and values on to other people – when they should be minding their own f#cking business.
@Cidra WORD! Some people are a@&!holes and they prove it time and again on social media!
I hope Ginger can get past this and internet comments and people would just freaking mind their own business. A lot of women have jobs and are mothers and there’s no reason to target any of them, they’re all hard working human beings. :3
On the other hand, I don’t love the use of the term “bullying” bc these are just some stupid internet trolls and commenters. There are a ton more examples of bullying that are far worse and more severe than this, and although nobody should try to put anyone down for any reason, I wouldn’t say bullying is exactly the appropriate term for this.
First stay at home Moms are the most bullied of all Moms. So you earned a good degree, have a high paying job and then your babies come along. Now that you have “made it” as some people say you decide to put it all on the back burner to be with your babies full time. You can always resume your career.
Then it all begins. Everyone thinks you are crazy because raising children is less valued. It goes on and on everyone is right but you.
Bottom line Ginger stop reading the crap. Every Mom has to do what is right for her and her family.
Jeny, people are saying that if you’re in the public eye, you have to deal with more criticism. That’s a VERY different thing than people bullying a private citizen. For public people, it unfortunately goes with the territory.
“Most bullied of all mom’s” Lynn? I don’t think that has any basis in fact – you just have no way of measuring it. So I would refrain from the hyperbole.
+100 to everything you said Heidi about people needing to mind their own business. Stay at home, work, do some hybrid- I really really don’t care. But everyone is going to have something that works for them, and Ginger and her husband have found a parenting plan that seems to be working well for them. I also think its awesome how supportive her husband is in general.
I guess I don’t see what Ginger is doing as complaining, per se. She has a platform and she’s using it to address something that a lot of mothers go through every day. I’m really in favor of anything that encourages dialogue.
I feel like they are only saying that becuase her son is still really little and honestly the people that are complaining about it really need to stop becuase if they were celebrities and recently had had kid but got offered a shot at the show they would do the show too. It’s not like the show is forever anyways…by the time he reaches the really big milestones and stuff she will only have gma.
Hit submit too early: I was lucky enough to have a mother who decided to be a stay at home mom after my sister was born and my grandfather died so I know first hand that when my mother was never bullied for being a stay at home mom. In fact, she kinda just took control of the parent guild in my grammar school from when I started there in 1994 all the way until my sister graduated and then did the same at my sisters high school and still runs the events for it to this day even though my sister is in college now. If anything the other mothers love her work ethic (all of that, two kids, takes care of our house, takes care of my grandmother when the aide isn’t there, etc). The ones that are criticizing ginger are probably just jealous.
I also don’t have twitter or look up Ginger so I don’t really know how bad it was. Bullying is unacceptable but just like Leigh I think I’m just sensitive when people use the word bullying.
Cute update to the first post if interested!
Chayse, (#30) I agree there’s nothing wrong with Ginger using her celebrity and her platform to address an issue of concern to her, but I feel she has to be careful how she frames the discussion. (I do think she’s ‘complaining’ a bit, but that’s a matter of opinion so I accept that others wouldn’t see it that way.)
As for this being something “a lot of mothers go through every day”, I’m not convinced about that. I’m also not sure there are enough reliable studies/statistics out there to say how much of this type of criticizing is going on, what form it takes, and whether or not it’s more frequent or more severe than it used to be.
People have been taking women to task over how they raise their children since the dawn of time. Do I think that’s right? No. Do I think it can be eliminated? No. Should we try? Of course, but let’s be reasonable and realistic both about the problem and how we respond to it (not only as individuals but as a society).
I’ve gotten the “don’t worry, it will happen for you” comments and pitying looks from self satisfied and superior types, so I think “mom’s” are far from blameless, regardless of how they go about it. Pretty stupid to assume that I didn’t just make a different life choice than they did.
What these women fail to realize is that not everyone subscribes to their belief system or wants to follow the same path that they did. Most women can find a way to have a child if they really want one. Some of us don’t believe that children are life completing or desirable. Some of us prefer cats. Just sayin’. 😀
You can also be sure that I’ve never gone up to someone with a couple kids and said, “Wow, you really shouldn’t have done that!”
And I see this conversation has struck a nerve with one of the superior mommies! LOL.
Hear, hear, PH! I agree with every single thing you said.
I guess an unavoidable aspect of DWTS is that the celebs will use any strategy they can to reach their audience. We’ve seen them play the mommy card a bunch of times, the I’m-so-busy card, the overcoming adversity card, the showmance card, the nostalgia card…just part of the show. So IMO the celebs have to be prepared for any of these cards to backfire–it’s a calculated risk. You may gain votes from some viewers, but annoy others.
Well said PH and Maria2. Any bets on how likely we are to see this topic show up in Ginger and Val’s package on Monday — complete with Ginger’s hubby waxing lyrical on what a fantastic, wonderful, devoted, loving, amazing, committed mother Ginger is to baby whatever-his-name-is? I’m sure Ginger is all those things, or at least trying her very best to be (which is all you can really ask of any parent). Depending on how they pitch it, it could rake in a lot of mommy-solidarity votes, but Maria2 is right, it could also backfire if they overplay it. Someone here will have to tell me if it happens, though, because I always fast-forward through Ginger/Val’s vid.
I was a stay at home mom. My husband and I gave up a lot of things for many years in order to make this happen. Vacations, going out to eat, a new car, gym membership. Basically anything not absolutely necessary. I’m grateful we were able to do this. It was the right way for us to go. The right decision for US. It’s not necessarily the right decision for anyone else.
If the child is happy, loved and well taken care of then whether or not the mom works outside the home, works at home or is a stay at home mom, she’s still a mom and should be celebrated and honored.
It ain’t easy to be a mom sometimes. You give up a huge chunk of yourself. It’s like forever having your heart walking around outside your body, in the person of your child. Moms are f****ing
rock stars.
Women need to stop denigrating each other in order to validate the choices we each make. There’s more than one way to mother.
Agreed Susan2, I also add that not only is there more than one way to mother, there’s more than one way to be a woman. Those who choose *not* to be mothers shouldn’t be denigrated (or considered inferior) for making that choice.