STRICTLY Come Dancing has come under fire over the treatment of its disabled contestants.
The BBC show has celebrated diversity in recent years – with deaf actor Rose Ayling-Ellis and blind comic Chris McCausland both winning their respective series.
The Lioness was top of the leaderboard after performing a jive last week[/caption]
However, judge Motsi Mabuse sparked fury this weekend when she told contestant Karen Carney to “challenge” her disability – having opened up about suffering from a spinal deformity, known as Scheuermann’s disease.
Reacting to the online backlash, ex-pro Brendan Cole, speaking on behalf of Sky Vegas, told The Sun: “It’s a tricky situation. If someone has a disability or physical limitation, how do you judge that fairly?
“Do you compare them directly to someone without those issues? The show has to decide whether everyone is on a level playing field – and, if not, how to balance that.
“It raises an important question: do you mark someone higher because they’re working through a disability, or lower because it affects their performance?
“That’s something Strictly must figure out – because I certainly don’t have the answer.”
On Saturday night, the ex-Lioness’s posture was criticised following a performance of the tango with partner Carlos Gu.
Karen had told viewers moments before: “I’ve had Scheuermann’s since I was a kid. It’s a curve in my spine. It’s really, really hard for me to open my back up. There’s certain elements that I just won’t be able to do as much as I’d love to.”
First up to judge the former footballer’s skills was Motsi told Karen: “First of all thank you for sharing with us about your curved spine.
“It’s going to be something that we have to challenge to see how far we can really stretch and open up because it’s a ballroom dance and there’s a specific posture we need.”
The comments caused a massive fallout among fans who raged: “I feel so frustrated for Karen being told to ‘challenge her disability’ when your spine is LITERALLY structured differently.”
Another said: “Awful ableism from Motsi to Karen.
“Strictly has previously accommodated and supported people with a disability on the show but this time Motsi suggested that Karen ought to ignore it, deny, “challenge” her spinal curvature!
“It’s grossly ableist and inappropriate.“
Karen finished in 6th position on nthe leaderboard after beung awaerded 51 points after adding on last weeks scores.
What is Scheuermann’s disease?
A spokesman for The Scheuermann’s Disease Fund explains:
“Scheuermann’s disease, also known as Scheuermann’s kyphosis, occurs in children during adolescence and can be identified by a ‘hump’ or ‘hunched’ posture that often includes significant lower back pain, tight hamstrings, and a host of other problems.
“It is the second most common spinal deformity in adolescents after AIS (Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis)
Most people understand the symptoms for scoliosis and even postural kyphosis. However, Scheuermann’s disease is virtually unknown to the general public, as well as most doctors.
“Research has shown that Scheuermann’s impacts up to 8 per cent of the population. Unfortunately, it also affects each patient differently which makes treating patients that much more difficult. It is imperative that a patient be seen by a spine specialist who is experienced in treating Scheuermann’s.
“For the worst sufferers, spinal fusion surgery and long-term chronic pain management are the only 2 remaining treatment options.”
Brendan continued: “It’s going to be very difficult for Karen Carney.
“She’s dealing with a spine issue – and of course, everyone has their own personal challenges – but hers is quite specific.
“She’s got a very locked-up back, and in ballroom, you need that natural curve and fluidity through the spine.
“If she can’t achieve that, she’s never going to look quite right in a ballroom number.
“She’ll probably manage the Latin dances beautifully, because she’s a lovely dancer, but in ballroom that restriction will count against her when compared to others.
“It’s not her fault, and it’s not the professional’s fault either – there’s only so much they can do. The judges must comment on what they see; they can’t just ignore it.”
Karen’s co-star Ellie Goldstein made history on the show by becoming the first contestant who was born with Down syndrome to sign up for Strictly.
Now in its 21st series, the BBC dance show has featured other disabled contestants including Paralympic swimmer Jody Cundy, Paralympic sprinter Jonnie Peacock, and table tennis champion Will Bayley.
A spokesman for The Scheuermann’s Disease Fund said: “Wow, the judges are ruthless.
“It is amazing that Karen can participate in strenuous and continuous dancing due to the pain and secondary problems adult patients often experience as they age. It is likely that her dancing experience in her youth significantly strengthened her core and overall physical strength that allowed her to compete in sports as an adult.
“Karen is a hero to anyone who has been diagnosed and lived with Scheuermann’s.”
Ellie Simmonds has achondroplasia, a genetic condition that causes dwarfism[/caption]
Will Bayley has arthrogryposis, a congenital condition that affects all four of his limbs[/caption]
