Well, that didn’t take long! Abby Lee Miller is already facing the consequences of racism allegations recently brought forward by former Dance Moms stars.
Lifetime has announced they have “no plans to air” the 53-year-old controversial dance coach’s web series, Abby’s Virtual Dance Off, which was slated to premiere this summer. As some expected, Abby’s apology just wasn’t enough to repair the damage of being justifiably outed as a “racist.”
Related: Hannah Brown Tells Fans ‘You Should Not Defend’ Her Use Of The N-Word!
The public’s patience for insensitive behavior right now is basically non-existent and it sounds like the network just isn’t willing to take any chances here. A rep for Lifetime told People on Friday:
“We are evaluating the future of the show but currently there are no plans to air.”
According to Entertainment Weekly, the spinoff series was supposed to follow Abby’s search for the “most talented dancers across the country” — but that’s clearly no longer happening. Unfortunately for Miller, her longtime gig on Dance Moms is also on the chopping block as the outlet reports she will not return for season 9 if they’re renewed.
It’s quite a strong response from Lifetime during a time when many viewers are extra conscious about the companies and media they choose to support. But again, it’s totally within their right to cut ties with the reality TV personality. Hey, look at the bright side: all that time off of work will give her some time to reflect on being a better person and treating her talented dancers fairly.
As we touched on earlier, Adriana Smith — whose daughter Kamryn appeared during a season 8 episode — wrote about her experience of dealing with insensitive remarks made by the Abby Lee Dance Company founder, posting this message, on IG:
“I recently posted on my FB that racism is not something we can disagree on and still be friends, which in turn is why we are not friend. A statement from her that sticks in my mind to this day during my time on DMS8 is, ‘I know you grew up in the HOOD with only a box of 8 crayons, but I grew up in the country club with a box of 64 — don’t be stupid.’ This my friends is not something or a statement that can be googled. Ask yourself what does that mean? This to me shows that you think you are better than me and in higher rank and all together superior to ME!”
Smith continued:
“Do you remember you told me, ‘Do you want me to tell you why you are really here?’ LOL as if I didn’t know … again showing your superiority. Let me remind you what you said in case you forgot. You told me to ‘LOOK in the MIRROR! That’s the only reason you are here!’ Kam told me she heard ‘they need a sprinkle of color!’”
Abby responded with an IG apology earlier this week, including a blanket statement condemning racism and promising followers “genuine change” moving forward:
As we mentioned, she’ll have plenty of time for all that change now that she’ll be off the air for a while.
But that apology was SWIFTLY rejected!
Not only is Lifetime not buying her crocodile tears, Adriana took to IG and slammed Miller’s post, calling it absolutely “insincere.” She alleged the dance coach has not yet reached out to her or her daughter to directly make amends, adding:
“Moreover, she didn’t even bother to tag me or Kamryn in her post. How else would we know she apologized? My friends and peers informed me of the apology. How sincere could it be?! What happened to a phone call or at least a personal direct message?”
She’s got a point! Although she did mention their names in the apology, a personal DM is undoubtedly more sincere.
Related: Teen Sensation JoJo Siwa Says She’ll Always Stand By Abby Lee Miller
Do U think the show cancellation, along with Abby losing her Dance Moms gig AND the public backlash is a fair response to the whole controversy? Let us know (below) in the comment section!
[Image via Brian To/WENN.]
The post Abby Lee Miller’s New Lifetime Series Pulled After Racism Accusations From <i>Dance Moms</i> Stars! appeared first on Perez Hilton.