Dancing With The Stars judge defends contestant after 'hateful' social media comments
Katja Mia was defended by judge Loraine Barry after being told she was 'too heavy to dance'
Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) contestant Katja Mia was defended by judge Loraine Barry after receiving hateful comments online ahead of her performance.
Barry made a powerful statement directly to viewers at home after Katja preformed a slower dance with partner Ervinas Merfeldas.
Katja spoke about people commenting online that she was 'too heavy to be dancing' during Sunday nights episode of DWTS.
The user said: ‘God help the poor professional dance you’ve been partnered with as not a chance he could possibly lift you above ground level with the size of your thighs and body. Poor guy pulled the last straw.’
Katja was brought to tears as Barry said: "I’d like to send a message out to those who need to hear this. I am a world champion and I have the credentials to say this. Katja is a beautiful dancer and all ladies and men, whatever shape or size, they have the right to dance. And if you have a problem with that, it is your problem."
Katja was brought to tears and speaking to Doireann Garrihy she said: "It was hard to get out there this week and it was such a beautiful story and beautiful song. Ervinas really helped me through it this week. I don’t even know why I’m crying, I’m not an emotional girl but it means a lot. I suppose it’s taking a stance, just to learn to not let anyone that’s a hater have any power over you. You are in charge of your life. I’m out here pushing myself every week and I’m just proud of myself."
Many social media users have defended Katja after the hateful comment.
One user said: "Brilliant, it's so sad to see bullying of this nature."
You can watch Dancing with the Stars on Sundays at 6.30pm on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player.