Tasha Ghouri opens up on Strictly about online ableist abuse
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Tasha Ghouri was seen crying on Strictly Come Dancing during the night of November 2nd, as she opened up about the online harassment she's faced due to her hearing impairment.
At 26 years old, Ghouri, known for her appearance on Love Island, has been participating in the BBC One competition alongside professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec.
The actress, who was born without hearing and relies on a cochlear implant, appeared in an emotional interview before her dance performance. During the interview, she shared her experience with online bullies who create videos ridiculing her speech.
She mentioned that the mistreatment began after she participated in Love Island in 2022, where she connected with her partner, Andrew Le Page.
Ghouri expressed that the negativity she faced made her feel as though she had disappointed "the entire deaf community," especially since she participated in the dating show partly to increase awareness about deafness.
"When I finished the show, I recall my dad sitting me down and looking me in the eye. He said, 'Tash, there have been some truly awful things said about you, particularly online.'"
"At one time, people started creating videos that focused on my voice and how I talk; it even turned into a trend."
The model expressed, “I aimed to advocate for representation, but I feel like I let not only myself down but the entire deaf community as well.”
She promised to stand strong against the bullies, declaring, “I’ll leverage my voice to inform and raise awareness.”
Her father was also heard discussing the brutality, expressing, "It tears your heart apart."
Ghouri is the second deaf contestant to participate in Strictly, following in the footsteps of actor Rose Ayling-Ellis, who took home the trophy in 2021.
The former Love Island contestant has collaborated with the UK government to advocate for causes related to deaf communities.
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Before her time on Love Island, Ghouri gained widespread attention for being featured as an ASOS model, showcasing earrings while proudly wearing her cochlear implant and hearing aid.
Her book, *Hits Different*, co-authored with Lizzie Huxley-Jones, tells the story of a woman with disabilities who dreams of being a dancer and embarks on a tour with an international music icon.
She is the host of the podcast "Superpowers with Tasha."
Strictly will be back next Saturday at 6:35 PM.
