Tasha Ghouri’s dad issues stern defence of BBC Strictly star after new ‘ableist’ abuse over heartfelt routine

Tasha Ghouri continued to impress on Strictly Come Dancing this past weekend when she performed a Couple’s Choice routine during Icons Week.

In an emotional performance, the Love Island star and her professional partner Aljaz Skorjanec danced to Pink’s What About Us, with the reality star detailing her emotional connection to the powerful song.

“This is a song about being unheard,” she explained, adding: “I was born completely deaf in both ears and my parents found out when I was 12 months old.

“Being born into a hearing family was difficult. They are the ones that have to adapt their lifestyle around me so they started learning British Sign Language.

“That was so beautiful. I remember those days. I first discovered dance when my parents took me to my first dance class at my local dance studio. Everyone around me communicated in speech. No one used British Sign Language, this was before I got my implant.”

Reflecting on her 2022 Love Island stint and the vile, ableist comments she witnessed about herself following her appearance, she recalled: “Two years ago I went on a reality TV show.

“I was the first contestant with a cochlear implant. I wanted to be a contestant who had a disability but could still find love.

“My dad told me there was a lot of stuff written about me on social media. There were things written about about my voice, the way I speak.”

Becoming tearful, the 26-year-old continued: “It made me hit rock bottom. I feel like I’ve not just failed myself but the whole deaf community.”

“She is very strong now because of that,” Ghouri’s dad, Tarek, commented. “She wants to scroll on past the negatives and not give them the time of day anymore.”

Ghouri went on to perform a stunning routine, which she received a near-perfect score of 39 for from the judges.

Despite the positive reception on the night, Ghouri’s dad once again had to address cruel comments made about his daughter and took to Instagram on Sunday to reveal the extent of her criticism.

Next to a smiling snap of himself, his daughter and Ghouri’s mother, Nicky, he penned: “Even last night, despite Tashas emotional from the heart Video sharing with the nation how mentally damaging social media comments can be, some chose to still abuse her (and many other contestants, Pros and judges!) on Facebook and X with horrid unnecessary hurtful comments.” (sic)

The full message from the proud father reads: “Finally I’ve got chance to catch my breath and catch up on literally 100s of supportive messages.

“Sat in the airport at Luton and two armed officers just came over and said “we saw your daughter on Strictly last night – she’s an inspiration and she touched so many people”.

“It happily reminded me that good people see and feel goodness. Even last night, despite Tashas emotional from the heart Video sharing with the nation how mentally damaging social media comments can be, some chose to still abuse her (and many other contestants, Pros and judges!) on Facebook and X with horrid unnecessary hurtful comments.

“She isn’t on many social media platforms for this reason but friends and family are. When I read them I think it says more about the person typing it than it does about Tasha.

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“What was motivating last night was how many people ‘got the message’ and bit back at the trolls. This is what gives Tasha the energy and commitment to speak out for anyone suffering.

“In a way you give her fuel, but you damage the engine. Be kind. Be respectful. It’s not difficult to be nice and if you feel like being otherwise you don’t have to take to the keyboard.

“Lastly a MASSIVE THANK YOU to anyone that has complimented her for being brave or who enjoyed her dance or who perhaps felt a little stronger after hearing how you can overcome. #bekind . Tarek. (And thank you to the great Man @aljazskorjanec for supporting Tash so much on a personal level through this tough week – you’re family.)” (sic)

Many fans rushed to the comments to support the family, praising Ghouri’s “amazing” efforts on the BBC show.