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:
Chrishell Stause & Keo Motsepe
The Selling Sunset star and her Dancing With the Stars boyfriend celebrate Christmas 2020 with her sisters and extended family.
Victoria Justice
"Merry Sis-Mas," the actress wrote on Instagram while wearing a Wildfox top. "Happy holidays to all of you! Sending so much love."
Joe Jonas & Sophie Turner
The couple that matches together, stays together.
Celine Dion
The singer and her three kids wear matching holiday pajamas.
Kate Hudson
The actress' three kids cuddle up for a pic.
Ashley Benson
The Pretty Little Liars alum celebrates the holiday with her family.
Gabrielle Union
The actress and Dwyane Wade's daughter Kaavia twins with a friend.
Alicia Silverstone
The Clueless star shared this photo of her son, Bear.
Christie Brinkley
The supermodel appears with her family.
Khloe Kardashian and True Thompson
The reality star decorates gingerbread men cookies with her daughter.
Teresa Giudice
The Real Housewives of New Jersey star appears with her four daughters, Gia, Milania, Gabriella and Audriana.
Gisele Bündchen & Tom Brady
The model appears with her NFL star husband.
Jessie James Decker & Eric Decker
The couple appears with their kids.
Kristin Cavallari
The reality star's kids admire the Christmas tree.
America Ferrera
The actress twins with husband Ryan Piers Williams.
Kourtney Kardashian
The reality star gets into the holiday spirit before hosting her family at her home on Christmas Eve.
Eva Longoria
The actress twins with her son, Santiago "Santi" Enrique Bastón.
Jennifer Lopez
The singer and actress showcases a glam look.
Freida Pinto
The actress gets cozy with partner Cory Tran.
Hugh Jackman
The Wolverine and X-Men star cuddles up with a furry friend by the Christmas tree.
Ayesha Curry
Stephen Curry's wife strikes a pose.
Chris Hemsworth
The Thor and Avengers actor appears with wife Elsa Pataky and one of their three children.
Kim Kardashian, North West, Saint West, Chicago West, Psalm West & Dream Kardashian
The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star appears with her four kids and niece.
Dwayne Johnson
The Rock watches The Lion King reboot with his youngest daughter, Tiana, 2.
Justin Bieber & Hailey Bieber
The married couple take a walk on the beach.
Victoria Beckham & David Beckham
The couple appears with their sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz and daughter Harper.
Reese Witherspoon
The actress appears with husband Jim Toth and kids Ava Phillippe, Deacon Phillippe and Tennessee Toth.
Nicki Minaj
The rapper and her husband Kenneth Petty pose for a festive photo.
Joey King & Steven Piet
The Kissing Booth star shares candids from the holidays. "Chr!stmas," she writes.
Taraji P. Henson
"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."