There is an article that has been published in the recent issue of TV guide that has created a bit of a stir. I feel I wanted to address this with everyone and dispel any rumors before they got out of hand.
Blogged By: Louis van Amstel
The basic gist of the issue stemmed from a quote that was taken way out of context.
Some who have read this article were led to believe that I made an off-handed comment about issues concerning the weight of Cheryl Burke and Lacey Schwimmer.
The exact quote printed was, "If you want to gain weight, it's your prerogative."
What actually happened was that I had an informal conversation (not an interview) with a reporter that segwayed into the fact that there was no summer tour this year for DWTS. As a result, many of the dancers including myself packed on a bit of weight. I then stated that if us professionals wanted to gain weight, it was our prerogative, but it's really not an issue and once the new season arrived any summer pounds would likely be shed. At no point did I ever single anyone out. Neither Lacey's nor Cheryl's name was ever mentioned by me.
In fact, a couple of days ago, Cheryl had voiced a similar observation appearing on the Ellen Degeneres Show
Cheryl and Ellen also discussed what looked to be the original root of this whole thing and it seems my quote was taken out of context in an effort to get further traction and mileage on the story.
The article goes on further to quote me as saying, "[People] look at this show to be inspired and think, 'If I just work hard enough, I can look like that...' If they watch someone who's dancing her butt off and she's still heavy, they can be discouraged. You have to take responsibility."
First of all, while I did say this, it was not "her" or" she" but rather about "WE". Secondly, it was in reference to why the professionals all love doing DWTS. The show is a source of inspiration for many people and so the responsibility is in part for professionals to try and look and perform their best so that they can serve as positive role models. I think aside from great entertainment, the show is really about affecting lives in a positive way.
When I learned of this article, I was astonished that I had been so severely taken out of context. I didn't even know I was in an interview to begin with!
So to set the record straight…
I DO NOT THINK NOR HAVE I SAID CHERYL AND LACEY ARE TOO OVERWEIGHT TO BE ON THE SHOW OR IN ANY OTHER SENSE.
Those of you who know me and who have been with me from the start know that this is not something I'd ever say. Some of you have come to Cheryl and Lacey's defense and I applaud you for doing so. I'd be offended as well if such things were said about me.
But the thing is, this article is just not accurate and it pains me to be put in this position. I now have to defend myself on something that was completely distorted.
Cheryl is a good friend whom I have known for a long time and you can bet the first thing I did was talk to her when this news broke. She is certain that I'd never say anything like that to hurt her and that these comments did not come out of my mouth in that way.
I complained immediately to the reporter because this was just not acceptable. As some small comfort, I did receive an email from the reporter personally apologizing for misquoting me and the reporter then wrote an internal email to ABC explaining what had happened.
Although the article has already made it to print, I want all of you to know the truth behind this whole mess. My colleagues like Cheryl and Lacey were friends first before any of us were ever on DWTS. To this day, I have never spoken ill of any of my friends in that way and I never will.
It is important to help clear the air for all of you that have supported me for so long and that's why I've chosen to help explain this issue.
This portrayal of me is not only inaccurate; it's unfair and undeserved.
Don't always believe everything you read in articles literally.
I hope that we can move past this and onto better news.
Please be sure to vote this week for your favorite couple.
Love,
Louisxxx
REPLIES
27 October 2008 - 14:30:50 -
Kristi Kohler Cristofoli
I am one of the ones who wrote to you regarding your "statements" and I want to thank you for setting the record straight. I know that there are people out there who look up to celebrities and I also know that there are those "reporters" who always want to tear people down. I applaude you in taking a stand because this is an issue that can affect many people and the way they view themselves. Thank you
Kristi
27 October 2008 - 16:04:45 -
Erynne
Hello Louis. I too left a comment on your site regarding the Lacy and Cheryl situation. I apologize for believing what I read about your statements, and I am glad you have voiced your side of the story. I actually read the story on AOL, and the way they printed the article, it seemed very hurtful comments had been made. Once again, the media takes something out of proportion and causes a stir. My apologies to you.
27 October 2008 - 18:26:52 -
Julie
Hi Louis,
Well this is what happens when you're a star on a top rated ahow I suppose. I agree that the whole thing was taken out of context. You are gracious and classy under pressure as usual.
27 October 2008 - 18:36:46 -
Julie
I'm sorry, I meant to type, star on a top rated show!
29 October 2008 - 18:55:10 -
Emmy
Wow...after having this whole story brought to my attention for the first time this morning I feel compelled to reply. My comments are addressed to ANYONE who does not know Louis personally because to broach this subject with ANYONE who DOES know him even casually or are lucky enough to be within his circle of friends would be silly. Those of us who know him understand what he said and how it was taken out of context. Those of us who work within the entertainment business understand the way things are created when it comes to publicity. It’s called “spin”. Simply put...Magazines take liberties with comments to make them sound more scandalous because THAT'S what sells magazines. Selling magazines creates revenue...which is the name of the game, period. However, the consequences of those misconstrued comments can be damaging if you don't realize the magazines motives.
Therefore on a personal level I want to tell you about the Louis that I know...the Louis who created and teaches his cardio ballroom class in Sherman Oaks. I believe EVERYONE who attends his classes would tell you that Louis is nothing but encouraging and inspirational to ALL who attend. The men and woman who come to these classes come in all different shapes and sizes. There is absolutely no discrimination nor judgments and NEVER once have I heard a snide remark by Louis or anyone else in his presence. The amount of "feel good energy" in that room is astounding. We all feel amazingly lucky to have him as a teacher because he is so blatantly overqualified and yet he is there every morning with a smile on his face inspiring us "non dancers" to achieve our goals and follow our dreams. He gently dispels any myths of insecurities we may have brought along as baggage. He engages us with his electrifying enthusiasm which we all find contagious. Bottom line…he makes us all feel good about ourselves no matter what our personal circumstances may have been when we walked into the room.
So, to you folks out there who felt compelled to make the comments on this blog about not ever wanting to see Louis on DWTS or not voting for him regardless of who he may be partnered with because of some “words” you read in a magazine…well, my comments back to you are…those were only words and NOT HIS WORDS. Actions speak louder than words. Louis’ ACTIONS to correct this “misunderstanding” by speaking personally to Cheryl and Lacey as well as his KICK ASS dancing on the show speak volumes. He is genuine. His talents are insurmountable. His character is unquestionably classy. Enough said.
29 October 2008 - 23:06:07 -
Kristen
Louis, thank you for addressing this and explaining your side so fully. I looked up your blog specifically to rant at you about "your" comments, and it appears that I was very mistaken. I should have known better; you have always come across as classy on the show. I wish the media would take your reaction and turn it into a follow-up story, so that we wouldn't be so misled. I hope Maks can explain the comments attributed to him as well as you did...though I'm not sure he can.
1 November 2008 - 16:14:51 -
Bart
Dear Louis we love you and your whole attitude regarding life and dance. We have seen you live at Battista Dance Studio in NJ a few times and of course on DWTS. Sorry for you that so many people knee jerked into believing this story and that your words were distorted and taken out of context. Hope to see you dancing soon.
7 May 2009 - 13:10:28 -
Andrea
I just took my first cardio class with you last night and had a blast! I haven't done anything cardio in years, am in my 50's, overweight, and have asthma but this is inspriring me to get back into shape. You were a wonderful instructor.
For everyone out there, don't believe most of what you read about anyone. I'm not a celebrity but I was written about in TV Guide years ago after doing a dating show. The comments about me were so wrong, it would have laughable had it had not been hurtful. I wrote to the editors but, of course, I had no clout other than to cancel the subscription. I'm sorry the same type of thing happened to you. Just keep up your wonderful work and the people who know you will know the truth.
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