By Amelia Proud


Rumba ready? Chaz Bono was caught topless as he was making a wardrobe change ahead of Dancing With The Stars, this evening


He is one of the most controversial contestants that Dancing With The Stars has ever had.

And Chaz Bono made another splash as he stripped off to reveal his naked torso on the reality contest's set today.

The 42-year-old transsexual was caught topless as he was making a wardrobe change ahead of the live show this evening.


Wearing just a pair of basketball shorts, Chaz whipped off his white t-shirt to also expose his various tattoos adorned on his body.

The reality contestant paired the look with some light grey trainers and also sported a mysterious bandage around his knee, indicating that perhaps he might be suffering from all of the gruelling rehearsals.

Chaz will make his big debut on the show tonight in the arms of partner Lacey Schwimmer.

Helping hand: The 42-year-old pulled himself up into his trailer


Meanwhile the network behind the hit show is to provide protection for , Chaz.
Sources at ABC claim that bosses believe 'crazies' could be planning to target him, according to a report from TMZ.

They clarify that while there haven't been any specific threats levied at Cher's son, the level of hatred being hurled in his direction warrants extra protection for the gay rights activist.

So Chaz will get security while he's on the CBS Television City lot in West Hollywood, as well as when he leaves and undertakes social activities.

Strip: Wearing just a pair of basketball shorts, Chaz whipped off his white t-shirt to also expose his various tattoos adorned on his body


The popular talent show takes it's responsibilities to contestants seriously, and just last year provided security for 20-year-old Bristol Palin after an anthrax scare.

Palin, daughter of controversial Republican Sarah, 47 , is said to have received a piece of fanmail containing white powder, but this was not confirmed.

Cher has hit out at fans who are opposed Chaz Bono's participation in the show, but Chaz's famous mother, who named him Chastity, has rushed to his defence.

Controversy: The transgender star has been targeted by hate groups who object to his inclusion on the show


In a surprise phone call to her son during his appearance on Ellen DeGeneres's show last week, the 65-year-old star said that viewers shouldn't be afraid of her 42-year-old son.

Discussing critics, she said:'If you've got that excess time and that amount of hostility, I'm not so sure I can say anything to you that would make you change your feelings,' she said.

'I don't know that I would have any magic words to make you feel more comfortable and to soothe you into not being terrified of my child dancing on Dancing with the F*#%ing Stars.'

And earlier this month, she struck out at those critical of Chaz's casting by lashing out on Twitter against what she called 'stupid bigots.'

Committed: Chaz with his dancer partner Lacey Schwmmer rehearse for the show


Meanwhile, his dance partner on the show, Lacey Schwimmer, has also weighed in for support.

Schwimmer told radio presenters Johnjay today that Chaz is 'amazing.

'Chaz is kind of a shy guy so it’s nice to have a dance that brings his personality out. America will be seeing a different side of him,' Lacey said.

Of the controversy, she added: 'I don’t get it, I don’t care anymore. It has gotten a bit old. I think people need to relax and let people be who they want to be. It tweaks me the wrong way sometimes.'

'I’ve gotten to know Chaz and he is such an amazing person and I want people to get to know the Chaz I know.'


Support: Chaz is backed up by the whole Dancing with the Stars team, particularly his partner Lacey Schwimmer


Lacey told the guys that she and Chaz have talked about his childhood and his memories of appearing on television with his parents Sonny and Cher, and that he 'really loved his father very much.'

Ever since being cast, Chaz has been forced to brush off the controversy surrounding his appearance on the show all whilst working overtime to achieve success on the hit ABC competition.

The celebity progeny, who underwent hormone treatment and surgery to transition from a woman to a man, is the first transgender cast member on the series.

Dr. Keith Ablow, a psychiatrist and Fox News commentator recently wrote that watching Chaz compete on the ABC series would be 'toxic' for children.

DWTS's Executive producer Conrad Green has however downplayed the controversy, telling The Hollywood Reporter recently that they were always looking to introduce viewers to new stories and perspectives.

'The thing that is also worth remembering one of the great features of our show is we got quite a broad-minded audience who are often willing to give people a chance,' Green said.

'They might have preconceptions about some of our celebrities before they meet them on the show, but on our show you get to see people in a way you've never seen them before.'


source:dailymail