Current:Home > Stocks'DWTS' fans decry Adrian Peterson casting due to NFL star's 2014 child abuse arrest -FundTrack
'DWTS' fans decry Adrian Peterson casting due to NFL star's 2014 child abuse arrest
View
Date:2025-04-14 19:30:48
"Dancing With the Stars" fans have decried the casting of Adrian Peterson on the reality competition in light of the NFL running back's past arrests for child abuse and suspicion of domestic violence.
Following Wednesday's announcement of the season 32 cast, featuring Peterson, 38, with pro partner Britt Stewart, fans made their displeasure known. Stewart's Instagram photo post of the dancing duo was deluged with comments calling out Peterson's past and "DWTS" for the casting.
"Adore you to pieces, as you are one of the kindest, most genuine and talented out there; however I cannot vote for an abuser. Shame on the producers!" said @healthyhappyhomebody in an Instagram comment.
"Britt I love you so much and I will always support you! That said, I cannot in good conscience vote for you and your partner this season. I feel so bad you've been put in this position because you deserve so much better," wrote Instagram user @bethholler.
"WHAT IS DTWTS DOING?!?!?! This is honestly just unacceptable," commented another Instagram account.
"We love you @brittbenae and we are so ready for you to get that mirrorball, but a known child abuser/DV? No way can I vote for you this year and support him," another Instagram user wrote.
Media representatives for "Dancing With the Stars" and Peterson did not respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.
More:'Brady Bunch' star Barry Williams, Oscar winner Mira Sorvino join 'Dancing With the Stars'
What has Adrian Peterson been accused of?
In 2014, Peterson, then 29, was indicted on a felony charge for injuring his 4-year-old son while disciplining him with a switch that resulted in cuts all over the boy's body. Peterson avoided jail time by pleading no contest to a reduced charge of misdemeanor reckless assault. In addition to a two-year probation period, he was fined $4,000 and performed 80 hours of community service.
Saying Adrian Peterson has "shown no meaningful remorse" for injuring his young son, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended the Minnesota Vikings star without pay for a year.
After a 2018 Bleacher Report interview in which Peterson discussed disciplining his son by spanking him "with a belt," Peterson's agent Ron Slavin, told the Associated Press in a statement that "there is nothing more important to Adrian Peterson than being a good father to his children." Slavin said Peterson "learned several valuable lessons" in 2014 because of the suspension and counseling.
More:Adrian Peterson, 38, hasn't retired, hopes to play one more season
In 2022, Peterson agreed to domestic violence and alcohol counseling after he was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence following a flight with his wife Ashley. Ashley Peterson defended her husband two days after the arrest via an Instagram post, according to ESPN, writing: "On Sunday, Adrian and I had a verbal argument. Unfortunately, it was on an airplane. At no point did Adrian hit or strike me. This is a private matter between my husband and myself."
Contributing: Scooby Axson
veryGood! (748)
Related
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- Liam Payne Case: 3 People Charged With Abandonment of Person Followed by Death
- Liam Payne Case: 3 People Charged With Abandonment of Person Followed by Death
- NFL Week 10 picks straight up and against spread: Steelers or Commanders in first-place battle?
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Massive corruption scandal in Jackson, Miss.: Mayor, DA, councilman all indicted
- Partial list of nominees for the 2025 Grammy Awards
- Rashida Jones honors dad Quincy Jones after his death: 'Your love lives forever'
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- 43 monkeys remain on the run from South Carolina lab. CEO says he hopes they’re having an adventure
Ranking
- 2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
- A voter-approved Maine limit on PAC contributions sets the stage for a legal challenge
- Mariah Carey Shares Rare Photo of Her and Nick Cannon's 13-Year-Old Son
- Flooding closes interstate as heavy rains soak southeast Georgia
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- NFL Week 10 picks straight up and against spread: Steelers or Commanders in first-place battle?
- Where things stand with college football conference championship game tiebreakers
- The first Ferrari EV is coming in 2026: Here’s what we know
Recommendation
Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
Quincy Jones' Daughter Rashida Jones Shares Most Precious Memory After His Death
Brianna Chickenfry LaPaglia Accuses Ex Zach Bryan of Abuse
South Carolina, Iowa among five women's college basketball games to watch this weekend
South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
Massive corruption scandal in Jackson, Miss.: Mayor, DA, councilman all indicted
Union puts potential Philadelphia mass transit strike on hold as talks continue
Gia Giudice Shares The Best Gen Z-Approved Holiday Gifts Starting at Just $5.29