Fallout over casting Chaz Bono on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ turns scary
WITH BILL ZWECKER September 4, 2011 6:58PM
Producers of “Dancing with the Stars” were reportedly taken by surprise by the public outrage over this season’s casting of Chaz Bono. | Getty Images
Updated: November 22, 2011 11:13AM
Sources on staff at “Dancing With the Stars” say the producers at the hit show have been very surprised by the outpouring of negative reaction to the casting of Chaz Bono as a contestant on the new season — launching Sept. 19 on WLS-Channel 7.
“Of course, they knew there would be some anti-Bono calls and emails,” said a longtime “DWTS” insider. “But this has been more vicious and in larger volume than was anticipated. … Some of the comments are downright scary,” the source added.
It seems some of the negativity may be coming from ABC viewers in the Bible Belt — riled up by denunciations of Bono in sermons delivered by unhappy preachers.
† In the meantime, the show firmly stands behind Bono and his pro dancing partner, Lacey Schwimmer, who has joined Bono’s mom Cher in denouncing the “haters.” Schwimmer also reports that the vigorous rehearsals for the show already have the overweight Bono losing a pound a week.
‘KISS’ & TELL: After Gene Simmons seemed so close to splitting with longtime love Shannon Tweed, the couple has announced they are tying the knot at the Beverly Hills Hotel Oct. 1 — after a 28-year relationship and two kids. Many observers-in-the-know report a lot of this seems tied to boosting interest in Simmons’ “Family Jewels” reality show — a series he thought would have reaped him the kind of rewards similar to the Kardashian clan’s success.
“Gene thought he’d get Kardashian-type endorsement deals that would bring him a lot of dough, but that hasn’t happened — mostly because his show hasn’t had ratings to generate those kinds of things,” said the source. “He’s hoping all the hoopla tied to the wedding and its planning [which will be shown on “Family Jewels”] will give the show a big boost.”
REMEMBERING AMY: Even though music producer Mark Ronson celebrated his marriage to French model Josephine de la Baume in the South of France Saturday, he paused to pay tribute to the late Amy Winehouse — whose hit “Back to Black” album he produced.
According to an UsWeekly.com source, the couple toasted Winehouse during the festivities — “her death devastated the pair of them.”
REALITY RUMBLES: Regarding the Kardashians, TMZ reported Sunday that Ray J — Kim’s partner in that now-infamous sex video — has told Vivid Entertainment that if they sell the rights to that tape, he wants a piece of the settlement. … As for Kim Kardashian’s new hubby, Kris Humphries, he supposedly has no issues with that video — believing it’s ancient history, long pre-dating their relationship.
OSCAR HOST: Eddie Murphy’s name is the latest to surface as the potential Academy Awards host next year. Deadline.com reports no deal is yet inked, but the veteran comedian and Oscar nominee now is at the top of the list.
DIVORCE DOCKET: Laurel Holloman — who played a sexy bisexual on “The L Word” — has filed for divorce from Paul Machery after a 9-year marriage. The couple, who have two young daughters, reportedly have been separated since last year.
TAKE A BOW: Chicago author Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow — who has often performed her stories for local audiences — heads to New York in October to perform her story “More Than Life” (about her mother), tied to the release of the book Thin Threads Moms & Grandmas. The venue for Chaplik-Aleskow’s reading will be the new Museum of Motherhood in Manhattan which opened last Thursday.
SEEN ON THE SCENE: The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas checked out the Museum of Contemporary Art last week, and was spied chilling out on a bean bag, watching a video installation in the “Pandora’s Box” exhibition. … Derrek Lee dined at Table Fifty-two. … While Brian Urlacher lunched in Gibsons’ dining room, Bears teammate Robbie Gould favored the steakery’s patio — the outdoor choice made by Colin Quinn and his fellow funnyman buddy Tim Meadows. … Speaking of Gibsons, that’s where Elmwood Park’s Jeff Mauro headed the other day to celebrate his win on the “Next Food Network Star” — which landed him the new “The Sandwich King” show. A featured treat on Mauro’s program is a ribeye and sauted spinach sandwich, topped with garlic-blue cheese dressing he says was inspired by Gibsons —which the the restaurant now has included on its menu. …Common and the Bears’ Chester Taylor have been among recent sightings at Vertigo Sky Lounge.
Bill Zwecker reports regularly on “Good Day Chicago” and “Fox Chicago News at 9” on WFLD-Channel 32.
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