Give Chaz a chance: 'Dancing with the Stars' producer

CTVNEWS

Give Chaz a chance: 'Dancing with the Stars' producer

The Associated Press Published Thursday, September 1, 2011 8:46PM EDT

Back row from left, NBA player Ron Artest, actor David Arquette, actor and Iraq War veteran J.R. Martinez, TV personality Rob Kardashian, activist Chaz Bono, seated from left, TV personalities Ricki Lake, Kristin Cavallari, singer Chynna Phillips, TV host Nancy Grace, Soccer player Hope Solo and Italian personality Elisabetta Canalis, the celebrity cast for the upcoming dance competition series, 'Dancing with the Stars,' pose for a portrait in Los Angeles. The series will premiere on Monday, Sept. 19, 2011 on CTV Two.

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LOS ANGELES - "Dancing with the Stars" executive producer Conrad Green says despite controversy over the casting of its first transgender contestant, "Dancing" remains a family show and viewers should check out the new season before passing judgment.

Chaz Bono, who was born female but underwent surgery to become a man, is among the cast of 12 celebrities set to appear on the hit when it premieres later this month.

Some "Dancing" fans and conservative media groups have criticized his inclusion on the program. Online group OneMillionMoms.com says the casting of Bono and openly gay contestant Carson Kressley "is completely unacceptable and Christians should not watch the show, no excuses!"

Meanwhile, Cher and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation have defended Bono, the network and "Dancing" producers for casting him.

'Dancing with the Stars' premieres with a special two-hour episode on CTV Two, Monday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. ET.

The following night, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 'Dancing with the Stars' makes the move to CTV for a special episode titled "Meet the Cast" airing at 8 p.m. ET followed immediately by the first results show of the season at 9 p.m. ET on CTV.

The following week, 'Dancing with the Stars,' airs in its regularly scheduled timeslot on CTV, Mondays at 8 p.m. ET beginning Sept. 26 and Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET beginning Sept. 27.