TLC Defends Jazz Jennings, Cuts Ties With Derick Dillard Following Transphobic Tweets
The Counting On star is facing consequences after bullying the transgender television personality on social media.
According to Entertainment Tonight, TLC has parted ways with Jill Duggar's husband, Derick Dillard, following another series of controversial tweets against 17-year-old Jazz Jennings.
"We want to let our viewers know that Derick Dillard has not participated in Counting On for months and the network has no plans to feature him in the future," the network tweeted on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. "We want to reiterate that Derick's personal statements do not reflect the views of the network. TLC is proud to share the story of Jazz Jennings and her family and will continue to do so."
— TLC Network (@TLC) November 11, 2017
TLC's decision follows Dillard's transphobic remarks on social media on Thursday, Nov. 9, in which he misgendered Jennings and criticized her family. "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," the 28-year-old tweeted. "It's sad that ppl would use a juvenile this way. Again, nothing against him, just unfortunate what's on tv these days."
"Never bullied anyone, just said I didn't agree with what is being propagated on TV," Dillard continued in response to accusations of bullying. "I'm expressing my view of what should be treated as reality; if I say I feel like I am Nepali, that doesn't make me so," he added, before concluding, "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."
In response, Jennings took the high road, tweeting out, "In the face of constant ignorance and hatred I prefer to disregard negative opinions and continue moving forward with love."
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
As Nicki Swift previously reported, this is not the first time the reality star has faced Dillard's harsh comments. In August 2017, he criticized her show, I Am Jazz, which follows her life as a young transgender woman. "What an oxymoron... a 'reality' show which follows a non-reality," he tweeted. "'Transgender' is a myth. Gender is not fluid; it's ordained by God." Jennings' fans came to her defense, shaming Dillard's behavior with swift backlash.