Abby Lee Miller/Instagram
On #BlackOutTuesday,
Abby Lee Miller posted a black square with her logo on it. Needless to say, it did not go over well. Especially with a mom from Dance Moms’ last season.
Adriana Smith took to Instagram to talk about her and her daughter Kamryn’s experience with Miller. She wrote that Miller said to her, “‘I know you grew up in the HOOD with only a box of 8 crayons, but I grew in the Country Club with a box of 64 – don’t be stupid.’”
Camille Bridges, another African-American mother from the seventh season, told E News, “[Abby] tried to spin Camryn as being the poor one and there on scholarship. I shut that down immediately.” She went on to claim, “She loves appropriating our culture and never appreciating it. She did not give black choreographers on the show acknowledgment of their work. She continuously put Camryn in afros.”
After the racism claims became an international story, Miller wrote an apology. “I genuinely understand and deeply regret how my words have effected and hurt those around me in the past, particularly those in the Black community. To Kamryn, Adriana, and anyone else I’ve hurt, I am truly sorry.
“I realize that racism can come not just from hate, but also from ignorance. No matter the cause, it is harmful, and it is my fault. While I cannot change the past or remove the harm I have done, I promise to educate myself, learn, grow, and do better. While I hope to one day earn your forgiveness, I recognize that words alone are not enough. I understand it takes time and genuine change.”
Was Miller’s apology enough for Lifetime? According to The Wrap, the network no longer plans to air Abby Lee Miller’s Virtual Dance Off that was set for the summer. They also revealed that Miller’s contract ended with Dance Moms’ eighth season. If the network chooses to do a ninth one, it will be with a new dance teacher.
I would be OK with they brought Dancing with the Stars’ Cheryl Burke back because she did a great job with the girls.
When it comes to Miller, maybe Lea Michele and her can do an apology tour together. They can call it BitchFest. Who else should join the? Ellen DeGeneres?
