You know Jenna Johnson from Dancing with the Stars — and you probably know that she shares a two-year-old child, Rome, with husband Valentin Chmerkovskiy.
Over the weekend, Jenna posted a lengthy reply to her IG Story that included a screenshot of a user employing a seemingly ableist slur against her and Rome — all because she previously posted a picture of her child drinking out of a bottle.
“Sooo yesterday I posted a pic of me and my son who I hadn’t seen in 4 days and lots of people felt strongly about him drinking from a bottle,” she wrote. “Totally fine when other moms give *positive* advice and I’m always open to feedback to an extent. But this woman (who’s [sic] profile pic is of her holding her own baby) decided to DM me this…”
“What world are we living in?? I understand that I put my life out there publicly, which I honestly want to STOP doing when extremely rude and harmful messages toward my baby are sent to me. But are we ok as a society? Also, you yourself are a MOM!!!! Would you want me, a total stranger to DM you this about your child? Because he’s drinking from a bottle??? Like WHAT ON EARTH IS HAPPENING.”
“I love my social media community on here and really feel so connected to each of you,” Jenna concluded in her initial message. “But enough is enough with the sad trolls/bullies on here. Please unfollow me IMMEDIATELY and respectfully get a life.”
Later on, Jenna shared a follow-up message thanking her followers for sending positivity her way. “I honestly cried reading ALL your messages,” she wrote. “My heart really hurt yesterday at how vile and mean some people can be, but once again I was shown just how much this little community of mine on here can also show up. You gave me the love, support, and kindness that I believe in!”
“Let’s remember that we are all humans, navigating the best we can! I promise to try to only spread positivity and light on my deed and hope you feel inspired to do the same. But seriously, thank you for having my back and making me feel seen. So grateful to each of you!!”
Well, you gotta give it up for something of a happy ending. Good reminder to not be a jerk on the internet as well!