Strictly Come Dancing star Susan Calman hits back after being called a ‘fat rug muncher’
Susan Calman (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images/Twitter)
Susan Calman has quickly become a fan favourite on Strictly Come Dancing.
The Scottish comedian has won followers for her sheer joy in being on the hit BBC One dancing reality show.
But not everyone is a fan of the lesbian star, apparently.
(Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Not for the first time, Calman has been attacked for her sexuality.
She revealed today that she had been called a “fat rug muncher” on Twitter, in a message that was either private or since deleted.
Calman responded with a gif of Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones saying “I’m a queen”.
Susan Calman hits out at Twitter trolls (Twitter)
“Noticed that someone called me a ‘fat rug muncher’ on Twitter,” she said.
“That won’t stop me dancing. It’s the reason I’m doing Strictly.”
She then posted another gif of her and her Striclty dance partner Kevin Clifton in action.
Susan Calman shows the trolls her heels (Twitter)
Calman captioned that post: “That’s the joy of being on Strictly. Don’t hide away, defeat the haters through the medium of dance.”
It’s not the first time Calman has hit out at homophobic trolls on Twitter.
After receiving abuse earlier this year, she responded: “When a man calls me a bitch, or someone is homophobic I reply.
“Because this lesbian bitch ain’t standing for it.”
The comedian has received plenty of support from her followers, including fellow comic Jason Manford.
“You’re smashing it,” he said. “I’ve not seen an ounce of hate for you,only love! #nailingit”
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On joining Strictly, Calman said: “I haven’t worn heels or a dress since I was 17. Haven’t danced with a man in over a decade. Strictly, I’m ready. #WhoLeads?#CalmanCanCanCan”
She faced criticism after she was paired with Kevin Clifton, a man, rather than a female professional.
Fellow competitor Reverend Richard Coles, who is a gay man, was paired with female professional Dianne Buswell.
Susan Calman
Calman said she was “absolutely not disappointed” by being paired with a man.
“I think politically, there’s nothing more powerful than having an openly gay woman on the biggest show on television, whose wife’s on the front row, doing what she wants to do,” she said.
“For the gay community to criticise me and try to get me what they want to do is, I think, as difficult as suggesting the straight community are trying to.
“No one is holding me hostage in this room, making me wear a dress and dance with a man. I want to learn how to dance.”
Related: 9 hilarious lesbian and bisexual comedians that’ll have you in hysterics
She received support from out MP Mhairi Black following the row.
“People need to give Susan Calman a break – the criticism she’s faced has been really unfair,” said the SNP politician.
“She’s always been a champion for equality, she’s a brilliant comedian, a great role model for young LGBTI people, and she has every right to enjoy herself on Strictly whoever she dances with.”
