Why Some ‘DWTS’ Fans Object to Adrian Peterson’s Casting
Photo by: ABC/Andrew Eccles Reading Time: 2 minutes
The celebrity cast for Dancing with the Stars Season 32 was announced on Wednesday, and the lineup includes football running back Adrian Peterson. Some fans have since expressed their disappointment over Peterson’s casting due to his past child abuse and domestic violence charges.
DWTS Fans Speak Out Against Adrian Peterson
According to ESPN, Peterson was charged with felony child abuse in 2014 for spanking his 4-year-old son with a switch, leaving cuts and bruises on the child’s body. The athlete pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of misdemeanor reckless assault. He was suspended from the NFL for one year.
Peterson was arrested again last year in connection with a reported domestic violence incident involving his wife Ashley, who released a statement calling it a “verbal argument.” She added, “At no point did Adrian hit or strike me.”
DWTS fans have pointed to these incidents as reasons they object to Peterson’s casting on the show. Some fans on Reddit expressed that they were hoping his partner Britt Stewart could finally win a Mirrorball trophy this season, but they don’t feel comfortable voting for Peterson.
One user said they hope the pair is eliminated early so that Stewart can spend the rest of the season appearing in group numbers and other segments. They pointed out that Peta Murgatroyd “seemed to still be having a blast” after her early elimination last season.
SEE ALSO: ALL 14 CELEBRITY-PROFESSIONAL PAIRS ON ‘DWTS’ SEASON 32
Fans Are Commenting on Stewart’s Instagram Post
DWTS fans aren’t just sharing their disappointment on Reddit. One user shared a compilation of comments on Stewart’s Instagram post announcing that she would be competing with Peterson.
“As much as I love Brittany, he won’t be getting my vote,” wrote one commenter. Another called Peterson’s casting on the show “unacceptable.” Someone else suggested that Peterson will “create an unsafe work environment.”
Dancing with the Stars Season 32 will premiere on both ABC and Disney+ on Tuesday, September 26.
