‘An absolute disgrace’: Dancing With The Stars viewers erupt as convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby signs up for the show… as some threaten to BOYCOTT Seven’s new season
Channel Seven have received waves of backlash from viewers after signing convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby for the new season of Dancing With The Stars.
Social media erupted with criticism as it was confirmed that Schapelle, 43, would be a ‘wildcard’ for the upcoming season on Seven – after the show switched networks from Ten this year.
Some viewers branded the casting an ‘absolute disgrace’, while others threatened to completely boycott the new season in its entirety.
Not happy: Channel Seven have received waves of backlash from viewers after signing convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby for the new season of Dancing With The Stars
‘I love the show, but that is a disgrace,’ one fan raged. ‘Not for me this season, turning off.’
‘Yes, Corby has done her time. But can’t she try move on from her past, away from the media spotlight?’ another suggested.
Many viewers were left less than impressed that young people would be looking up to Schapelle as a ‘celebrity’ if they watch the show.
‘What moronic humans at this channel think that having a convicted drug runner on these shows is setting a good example to anyone, it’s pathetic and an absolute disgrace,’ one wrote.
Arrest: Schapelle became a household name after she was arrested in October 2004 at Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport with 4.1kg of marijuana wrapped in plastic inside her boogie board bag. She was later sentenced to 20 years in prison, but after a series of sentence reductions was released on parole in February 2014 after nine years behind bars
Fuming: Fans took to social media to share their thoughts on Schapelle’s new gig
‘Surely some one should step in and stop. She is convicted drug smuggler, not an icon for people/kids to aspire to,’ another wrote, while one added: ‘She is no star! As if people want their children to think a drug smuggler is a star. Not a smart move.’
A chorus of viewers added that they would be switching off this season, as one wrote: ‘Needless to say I won’t be watching,’ while a second added: ‘Another reason not to watch it #Trash.’
Some did stick up for the choice to cast Schapelle, however, with one writing: ‘Wouldn’t call her a celeb but she’s served her sentence and has done her time, should she not be entitled to better the rest of her life?
‘Plenty of ex cons have gone on to have lives as a list celebs.’
Working hard: Schapelle is starring with dance partner Shae Mountain for the new season, which has also signed up celebrities including actress Ada Nicodemou, radio host Fifi Box and Tom Williams
Defence: Some of Schapelle’s fans stuck up for her online, saying she has ‘served her sentence’
Another chimed in: ‘Go Shappa, suck on it haters.’
Channel Seven was approached for comment in relation to this story.
Schapelle – who completed a brief stint on SAS Australia last year – is starring with dance partner Shae Mountain for the new season.
Seven have also signed up celebrities including actress Ada Nicodemou, radio host Fifi Box and Tom Williams.
Schapelle became a household name after she was arrested in October 2004 at Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport with 4.1kg of marijuana wrapped in plastic inside her boogie board bag.
She was later sentenced to 20 years in prison, but after a series of sentence reductions was released on parole in February 2014 after nine years behind bars.
In May 2017, she was deported back to Australia amid a media frenzy.
TV debut: Schapelle made a brief appearance on the first season of SAS Australia last year