Kim Zolciak-Biermann's 'Dancing with the Stars' Petition Gains Steam with Fans
The #DontBeTardy mom is also getting support from fellow contestant Paula Deen.
After being forced to exit the Dancing With the Stars on Monday (September 28) due to the show's rules following her mini-stroke last week, a petition to get Kim Zolciak-Biermann back on the show is gaining momentum. After being posted online on Tuesday (September 29), the petition has since gained over 20,000 signatures (as of press time). Fans are rallying around the Don't Be Tardy mom and her partner, Tony Dovolani, in hopes that the show will reconsider their decision.
"Hasnt Kim been through enough!? She is an example of strength and determination to us all and we would love to see her grow. Isn't that what the show is about??" on fan, Leisa Murry, commented. "Consider it a injury...the stars that have injuries get to heel...Bring Kim and Tony back," another fan, Debbie Duran, added. A rep for the show had not responded to The Daily Dish's request for comment about the fan-driven campaign as of press time.
Following her departure from the show, The Daily Dish caught up with Paula Deen, who is currently competing on DWTS. “I loved Kim. She was a big personality. She was in the trailer next to me. She busted into the room and said, ‘Toughen up, Paula! Don’t be scared.’ And then she would get out there and cry," she recalled. “She was so likeable. What surprised me the most: she is the most beautiful creature and she is a family girl. Her husband and children are her whole world. She is a family girl."
Paula adds that she too was surprised by Kim's elimination. "We didn’t find out until everyone else," she explained. However, prior to the broadcast she had sent Kim some well wishes. “When I got up on Monday morning, I sent her a video as soon as I heard. I told her I loved her. We had gotten to be buddies," she said. "She needed to get back as quick as she could. She sent me a note back saying ‘I love you, too’ and my video made her smile.”
Kim and Tony have made it no secret they'd like another chance to try and win the mirror ball trophy. Before Monday's broadcast (which Kim appeared on via Skype), Kim had been cleared by her doctor to dance but not to fly. She even rehearsed with her partner on Saturday. "Yes the timing sucked but ultimately my health is first. I wanted to dance here in ATL via satellite last night I could dance I just couldn't fly," she shared on Instagram. "I'm forever grateful for my dance partner @tonydovolani who has always supported me and All Of you my amazing fans!!!!!!!! Regardless I'll be dancing my ass off at the finale."
– Additional reporting by Paul Zahn
A new episode of Don't Be Tardy airs this Sunday, October 4 at 10/9c. Watch a preview, below.
