Former “Dancing with the Stars” contestant Charity Lawson is opening up about the mental health struggles she faced during her time on the hit dance competition show. Lawson, who finished fourth in the competition, revealed on the “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans” podcast that she endured intense criticism and bullying from fans, which took a toll on her well-being.
Lawson, who previously appeared on “The Bachelorette,” thought she was prepared for the scrutiny that comes with reality TV fame, but she was shocked by the level of hate she received from “Dancing with the Stars” viewers. She received death threats and was constantly attacked on social media for everything from her performances to her personality.
Despite taking steps to block and filter negative comments, Lawson found it difficult to escape the relentless criticism. She even went to the show’s producers for help, but felt that the situation was beyond repair.
The reality star also expressed frustration with how she was portrayed on the show, with editing emphasizing her focus on scores and work ethic, leading viewers to perceive her as entitled and conceited.
Despite the challenges she faced, Lawson credits her partner Artem Chigvintsev and her fiancé Dotun Olubeko for supporting her through the difficult experience. She is grateful that she stuck it out and is speaking out about her struggles to shed light on the toxic fan culture that can accompany reality TV stardom.
Lawson’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and the impact that online bullying can have on individuals in the public eye. Her bravery in sharing her experience is a powerful message to others facing similar challenges.
