David Arquette Defends ‘Dancing’s’ Chaz Bono: He ‘Isn’t The One With The Issue’

The controversy surrounding the casting of Chaz Bono on Season 13 of “Dancing with the Stars” is something that hit close to home for David Arquette.

Access Hollywood caught up with the actor on Wednesday during a rehearsal with professional partner Kym Johnson, where he weighed in on the Chaz chatter.

“I think it’s amazing. I think it’s very courageous of Chaz to be doing this,” David said of Cher’s activist son. “Chaz isn’t the one with the issue, it’s people out there and it’s sort of their ignorance really… You have to be accepting.”

Despite the headlines since Chaz’s casting and late night talk show jabs at the transgendered community, David believes that his fellow competitor has been able to rise above all of it.

“Jokes are jokes, sometimes they’re hurtful, but Chaz has a great sense of humor too,” the actor told Access. “I think there is a fine line between what is mean and what is funny.”

David, whose sister Alexis Arquette is transgendered, also spoke out about the controversy on Twitter on Tuesday.

“I grew up seeing how cruel People could be to someone trying to be true to themselves,” he Tweeted, referring to sister Alexis and Chaz. “To those that hate. Hate is fear. Fear is ruining our world. Fear is the absence of light. Light is love.”

Kym also weighed in on Chaz, telling Access, “I think it’s amazing… He’s having so much fun. I’m excited to see him on the dance floor.”

“Dancing with the Stars” will premiere on Monday, September 19, in a two-hour show, at 8 PM ET/PT.

The following night, ABC will air “Dancing with the Stars: Meet the Cast,” which airs at 8 PM, followed at 9 PM by the first “DWTS” results show.

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