Strictly Come Dancing stars James Jordan and Shirley Ballas engaged in a Twitter spat over Russian dancers remaining silent amid the invasion of Ukraine.
The squabble started after ex-Strictly professional James said he was "very disappointed" that many Russian dancers he knew had failed to address the crisis on social media.
He wrote: "I don’t see many of the Russian dancers I know and have even shared the Strictly dance floor with them openly speaking out about the war against Ukraine. But are still promoting themselves on social media - very disappointed. They know who they are - not 1 (sic) post about it."
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The show's current head judge Shirley Ballas dismissed James' criticism of his peers, firing back in a quote Tweet: "Dear James. Not sure who you follow and who follows you but many dancers I know have retweeted in support of the Ukraine and have felt shame at their own government, lots of help for their fellow dancers Lots (sic) have spoken out and retweeted."
Not backing down, James replied: "We clearly are talking about different dancers then".
Shirley admitted the situation was "heartbreaking", but insisted to James that "in our Russian Ukraine dance community the support has been overwhelming. Sadness , tears , massive help and support. I don’t know any one who has not reached out from the very top dancer to the beginners. Xxx hugs."
James then posted a screenshot of a post made by Shirley on Instagram on Saturday, February 26, in which she had urged dancers to "please show some sensitivity towards the suffering in Ukraine".
"You don't need to promote yourselves, your shows, competitions and teaching every single day...Your colleagues, students, competitors and their families are in the middle of a shocking war and need your support," she continued in the post, which has since expired.
Above the screenshot, James wrote: "Why post this yesterday then? A similar sentiment to me."
Shirley has yet to respond, but many users on Twitter showed solidarity with his disappointment.
User Charlie wrote: "I've unfollowed a few on Instagram due to this. All they have to do is share something their story, a donation link for example, to show that they care. And they can't even do that."
Sheryl said: "I don’t think it’s a unfair statement seeing as they have a platform! There is people in Russia right now gathering in support of Ukraine knowing that they could ACTUALLY be harmed, writing a statement online isn’t the same!!"
"I thought that," replied Joanne Hollman. "Too frightened to put their heads above the pulpit maybe ……it’s so sad what’s going on & so wrong". In response, James suggested the dancers weren't frightened at all, but supported the invasion.
"I have seen on some other dancing platforms Russian dancers saying we don’t understand why he is doing it Says (sic) it all really…. I’m disgusted!!!"
But the replies to James tweet were divided, with many also slamming him for being "unfair"
"They probably have family in Russia and their social media accounts could be watched!" pointed out Ruth Dale.
"If that’s what you think," replied James.
User Alison accused James of opening a "can of worms"
"I don't think should be commenting about something when you don't know the full situation," she wrote.
Another user, Warren Bullock, said: "I think many Russians dancers are scared to speak out. One of my family is trying to get out of Russia right now - she said there were 2000 protestors (sic) in St Petersburg last night who all got arrested. Facebook blocked & TV in Russia gives totally different story!"
"Sorry to here that," James wrote back, "but I will always speak out over my injustice. Plus it was aimed at one of the old pros who has written some horrific things about it."
Though James has not confirmed the dancer whom his original tweet was aimed at, the heated debate comes after former Stricter Come Dancing professional Kristina Rhianoff faced backlash for appearing to support the Russian invasion.
In a now-deleted Tweet, Kristina, who is Russian, criticised Sky News for reporting that Russia had been kicked out of Eurovision following the crisis.
"F...ing breaking news," she wrote. "Are you for real @SkyNews? WTF? And where are we at with bringing @BorisJohnson accountable for ruining thousands of small business (sic) while parting (sic) during lockdowns??????"
Kristina has since issued an apology on Sunday, claiming she "made fun" of the Sky News tweet and insisted she is "not supporting Putin, war, invasion, lost lives and politics".
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