Hey Everyone,
There is an article that has been published in the recent issue of TV guide that has created a bit of a stir. I feel I wanted to address this with everyone and dispel any rumors before they got out of hand.
The basic gist of the issue stemmed from a quote that was taken way out of context.
Some who have read this article were led to believe that I made an off-handed comment about issues concerning the weight of Cheryl Burke and Lacey Schwimmer.
The exact quote printed was, "If you want to gain weight, it's your prerogative."
What actually happened was that I had an informal conversation (not an interview) with a reporter that segwayed into the fact that there was no summer tour this year for DWTS. As a result, many of the dancers including myself packed on a bit of weight. I then stated that if us professionals wanted to gain weight, it was our prerogative, but it's really not an issue and once the new season arrived any summer pounds would likely be shed. At no point did I ever single anyone out. Neither Lacey's nor Cheryl's name was ever mentioned by me.
In fact, a couple of days ago, Cheryl had voiced a similar observation appearing on the Ellen Degeneres Show (you can see for yourself at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrxIx85DgdU) . Cheryl and Ellen also discussed what looked to be the original root of this whole thing and it seems my quote was taken out of context in an effort to get further traction and mileage on the story.
The article goes on further to quote me as saying, "[People] look at this show to be inspired and think, 'If I just work hard enough, I can look like that...' If they watch someone who's dancing her butt off and she's still heavy, they can be discouraged. You have to take responsibility."
First of all, while I did say this, it was not "her" or" she" but rather about "WE". Secondly, it was in reference to why the professionals all love doing DWTS. The show is a source of inspiration for many people and so the responsibility is in part for professionals to try and look and perform their best so that they can serve as positive role models. I think aside from great entertainment, the show is really about affecting lives in a positive way.
When I learned of this article, I was astonished that I had been so severely taken out of context. I didn't even know I was in an interview to begin with!
So to set the record straight…
I DO NOT THINK NOR HAVE I SAID CHERYL AND LACEY ARE TOO OVERWEIGHT TO BE ON THE SHOW OR IN ANY OTHER SENSE.
Those of you who know me and who have been with me from the start know that this is not something I'd ever say. Some of you have come to Cheryl and Lacey's defense and I applaud you for doing so. I'd be offended as well if such things were said about me.
But the thing is, this article is just not accurate and it pains me to be put in this position. I now have to defend myself on something that was completely distorted.
Cheryl is a good friend whom I have known for a long time and you can bet the first thing I did was talk to her when this news broke. She is certain that I'd never say anything like that to hurt her and that these comments did not come out of my mouth in that way.
I complained immediately to the reporter because this was just not acceptable. As some small comfort, I did receive an email from the reporter personally apologizing for misquoting me and the reporter then wrote an internal email to ABC explaining what had happened.
Although the article has already made it to print, I want all of you to know the truth behind this whole mess. My colleagues like Cheryl and Lacey were friends first before any of us were ever on DWTS. To this day, I have never spoken ill of any of my friends in that way and I never will.
It is important to help clear the air for all of you that have supported me for so long and that's why I've chosen to help explain this issue.
This portrayal of me is not only inaccurate; it's unfair and undeserved.
Don't always believe everything you read in articles literally.
I hope that we can move past this and onto better news.
Please be sure to vote this week for your favorite couple.
Love,
Louisxxx