TLC has cut ties with Duggar son-in-law Derick Dillard after he tweeted transphobic comments about one of the network’s reality stars.
The decision was sparked by public outcry following a new wave of transphobic tweets.
Back in August, Dillard made headlines when he replied to a TLC tweet about YouTuber and trans teen Jazz Jennings, saying “transgender is a myth.” Jennings also has a show on the network.
Fast forward three months and Dillard was back at it, replying to fan tweets as recently as Nov. 9 and misgendering the I Am Jazz star.
“I pity Jazz, 4 those who take advantage of him [sic] in order 2 promote their agenda,” Dillard wrote. “Including the parents who allow these kinds of decisions 2 be made by a child. It’s sad that ppl would use a juvenile this way. Again, nothing against him, just unfortunate what’s on tv these days.”
I pity Jazz, 4 those who take advantage of him in order 2 promote their agenda, including the parents who allow these kinds of decisions 2 be made by a child. It’s sad that ppl would use a juvenile this way. Again, nothing against him, just unfortunate what’s on tv these days.
— Derick Dillard (@derickmdillard) November 9, 2017
Never bullied anyone, just said I️ didn’t agree with what is being propagated on tv.
— Derick Dillard (@derickmdillard) November 9, 2017
I’m expressing my view of what should be treated as reality; if I️ say I feel like I am Nepali, that doesn’t make me so.
Also, has anyone looked into whether a child is capable of making that kind of decision. We can’t vote til we’re 18; our brains aren’t fully developed til around 25
— Derick Dillard (@derickmdillard) November 9, 2017
The comments only re-ignited the outrage on Twitter, and over the weekend TLC finally released an official statement.
In a press release, the network explained that Dillard has “not participated in Counting On for months” and “the network has no plans to feature him in the future.”
TLC also announced it is “proud to share” Jazz’s story “and will continue to do so.”
— TLC Network (@TLC) November 11, 2017
For Jazz’s part, she’s taken the entire ordeal in stride:
In the face of constant ignorance and hatred I prefer to disregard negative opinions and continue moving forward with love💖
— Jazz Jennings (@JazzJennings__) November 11, 2017
Took her network long enough, but it got there.
