Some of the Internet was not happy with Chrishell Stause for taking boyfriend and Dancing With the Stars pro Keo Motsepe to meet her family over Christmas during a global pandemic.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged people to minimize chances of spreading the coronavirus further by avoiding gatherings with anyone who doesn't live with them. That didn't stop millions of people, including the couple, from ignoring the plea, with some getting peace of mind by taking COVID-19 tests before their celebrations and trips to see their loved ones following months of self-isolation.
Chrishell brought Keo to meet her two sisters and one of the women's husband and kids, who live near St. Louis, over the holiday and posted a photo of the group sitting together on a couch while wearing matching pajamas. The pic sparked criticism from some users, including one who wrote, "Please be mindful of your platform. It's not good to show large family gatherings. It makes others think it's okay." Following the controversy, the 39-year-old Selling Sunset star issued a statement on Instagram.
"To those bringing up Covid concerns, I understand and agree this was not a good use of my platform," wrote Chrishell, who lives and works in Los Angeles. "I normally always try to be socially responsible with my posts because I am naturally a compassionate person. I can see how this does not show that to some. I understand you won't agree, but at least so you can see where I am coming from- This is my immediate family and we all are able to test before and after."
Chrishell added, "This is the first Christmas without our mom we felt important to be there for each other in a tough year. Keo brought such welcomed happiness and selfishly I posted in a very happy moment. Please be safe and I am sending all my love to my supporters & critics. I hear all of you and can appreciate feedback from both sides."
This marked Chrishell's first Christmas without her mother, Ranae. She died of lung cancer in July, more than a year after the star's father, Jeff, passed away from the same disease.
Chrishell and Keo, 31, made their relationship Instagram official on Dec. 2, less than three months after they began competing separately on season 29 of Dancing With the Stars, which neither of them won.
See the controversial photo of Chrishell and Keo at their Christmas gathering and check out more pics of stars celebrating the holidays:
The Selling Sunset star and her Dancing With the Stars boyfriend celebrate Christmas 2020 with her sisters and extended family.
"Merry Sis-Mas," the actress wrote on Instagram while wearing a Wildfox top. "Happy holidays to all of you! Sending so much love."
The couple that matches together, stays together.
The singer and her three kids wear matching holiday pajamas.
The actress' three kids cuddle up for a pic.
The Pretty Little Liars alum celebrates the holiday with her family.
The actress and Dwyane Wade's daughter Kaavia twins with a friend.
The Clueless star shared this photo of her son, Bear.
The supermodel appears with her family.
The reality star decorates gingerbread men cookies with her daughter.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey star appears with her four daughters, Gia, Milania, Gabriella and Audriana.
The model appears with her NFL star husband.
The couple appears with their kids.
The reality star's kids admire the Christmas tree.
The actress twins with husband Ryan Piers Williams.
The reality star gets into the holiday spirit before hosting her family at her home on Christmas Eve.
The actress twins with her son, Santiago "Santi" Enrique Bastón.
The singer and actress showcases a glam look.
The actress gets cozy with partner Cory Tran.
The Wolverine and X-Men star cuddles up with a furry friend by the Christmas tree.
Stephen Curry's wife strikes a pose.
The Thor and Avengers actor appears with wife Elsa Pataky and one of their three children.
The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star appears with her four kids and niece.
The Rock watches The Lion King reboot with his youngest daughter, Tiana, 2.
The married couple take a walk on the beach.
The couple appears with their sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz and daughter Harper.
The actress appears with husband Jim Toth and kids Ava Phillippe, Deacon Phillippe and Tennessee Toth.
The rapper and her husband Kenneth Petty pose for a festive photo.
The Kissing Booth star shares candids from the holidays. "Chr!stmas," she writes.
"Look at my little ice monster y'all," the Empire star quips. "I hope everyone is having a safe and healthy holiday, and try to stay positive guys, it's really all we can do...Merry Christmas."