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McKenney dubs blind dance “appalling”

Todd McKenney did what he was hired to do on Dancing with the Stars, create controversy, calling Gerrard Gosens' dancing "appalling."

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ggTodd McKenney did what he was hired to do on Dancing with the Stars last night -create controversy.

His comments on the performance of blind contestant Gerrard Gosens have been blasted by viewers of the show.

While remarking that Gosens had achieved much to participate in the contest, he described his routine last night as “appalling.”  McKenney awarded him 2 points, just behind the 3 point scores awarded by his fellow judges.

But the audience rallied for Gosens who performed with Jessica Raffa. As part of this week’s rules, Gosens even had to dance for 15 seconds solo.

Some viewers took to Seven’s own website to vent their anger:

  • I thought Dancing With The Stars was all about having a go @ something different. Todds & Helens comments were completely out of order. How dare they treat some one in such a dispicable manner. Gerrard is on the show giving his best, I am disgusted in the judges comments, I felt humiliated for and with Gerrard. I actually enjoyed his performance, I was captivated through out the routine.
  • I think what Todd said tonight in regard to the blind dancer was totally and morally wrong. Surely Channel 7 must have thought seriously about having a blind person on the program, therefore the judges would have had to make allowances. To score low is bad enough but to degrade him personally is not human. Shame on you Todd!
  • Todd ia APPAULING.I am a mother of a 12yr old boys thats legally blind and an 11 yr old that is vision impaired.Cofidence is the biggest challenge for a blind person.I thought this show was for families.How wrong I was.The biggest challenge for me as a parent and carer for my 2 boys is encourageing them to believe that they can achieve anything.Then in one spilt second Nasty Todd Destroys that.
  • get rid of todd how very degrading was that for gerard. This poor guy might not have sight but he certainly has a heart and a huge one at that. You have lost my love for this show.
  • After watching the season of DWTS in the USA, i am appalled by the negativity of the judges. None of the stars are dancers….that is the point. There is no need to be so nasty – it should be a fun entertaining show, the judges should be there to motivate and encourage the stars – the judges should be voted off, bring in Paul Mercurio

But Gosens had always said he wanted to be judged as a dancer, not ‘blind dancer.’

Despite getting the lowest score, just 1 point behind Adam Brand, Gosens survived for another week after model Emily Scott was voted off the show.

30 Responses

  1. I think Channel 7 were more patronising toward Gerrard in episode 1. Far worse.

    Todd’s job is to get headlines, which he did. People talk about the show, which they have. Ratings will remain high!

    Also his radio show I’m sure is benefitting from the “controversy”

    Publicists and producers are far too see through for me!

  5. It was appalling! But Fiona’s effort was painful too. Mind you she had the brains to come out as an alcoholic the very week before the series started. She looked like an uncomfortable potato poorly spinning around dazed and confused. The things some people will do to revive their career! (I never had a career to revive and yes i’d do it too but i’d dress accordingly).

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