The Internet Reacts to TLC Cutting Ties With Derick Dillard
11/13/2017 01:53 pm EST
TLC's side:
Some approved of the network's decision, especially since he was speaking ill of another reality personality on TLC. The company had also warned him not to share opinions about Jennings after he posted a transphobic tweet about her in August.
One user said TLC's removal of Dillard from the network will make her parenting easier; she doesn't allow her children to watch him on TV.
TLC's I Am Jazz has followed Jennings through her transition to identifying as a girl. Jennings chooses to be referred to as "she," something that Dillard refuses to acknowledge.
Side with Dillard:
Meanwhile, some fans support Dillard's right to free speech. They claim that he was let go from the network for his stance on transgender issues, which is a violation of his First Amendment right.
Though Dillard is accused of bullying Jennings on social media, supporters say the network is bullying him via "religious discrimination."
Others used it as a platform to express their personal stance on social issues of transgender people, siding with Dillard.
Duggar family digs:
Through it all, many TLC followers are using the situation to make digs at the Duggar family, which has been featured on TLC in a variety of series since 2008.
The family was first featured in 19 Kids and Counting, a show that followed the Duggar family's children and highlighted their conservative Christian values and lifestyle. Under their interpretation of religion, "courting" couples are not allowed to hug straight-on, kiss or engage in any sexual activity until marriage.
Once married, wives are expected to have children quickly — most recently evidenced by Joy-Anna (Duggar) Forsyth's quick pregnancy after saying, "I do."
Some believe this positions the women more as property than partners.
Debunking Dillard's views:
Following in TLC's footsteps, some religious fans are distancing themselves from Dillard's interpretation of Christianity, which led him to publicly berate Jennings for her choice to live as a transgender.
Jennings also responded with a cryptic message after Dillard's rant. She didn't name him directly, but she offered up a message of positivity.
"In the face of constant ignorance and hatred I prefer to disregard negative opinions and continue moving forward with love," she wrote, and fans pointed out her maturity compared to Dillard's.
Some are so disgusted by Dillard's actions, they are calling for TLC to remove the entire Duggar family from its network.
Counting On is currently in its sixth season on TLC, following a 10-season run of 19 Kids and Counting and Jill and Jessa: Counting On, a three-part spin-off series.
Disclosure: PopCulture. is owned by Paramount. Sign up for Paramount+ by clicking here.
-
Reality TV Stars Who Died Tragically
-
TLC Reality Show Stars Welcome Baby No. 3: Dannielle and Garrick Merrifield From 'Seeking Sister Wife' Share Joyous News
-
'Sister Wives': Meri Brown Pays Tribute to Late Sister Teresa Kuntz After Cancer Battle
-
How Jack McBrayer Was Inspired by Hosting HGTV's 'Zillow Gone Wild' (Exclusive)
-
'1,000-Lb Sisters' Star Tammy Slaton Shows off Weight Loss in Swimsuit Photo