Cher - Cher Defends Chaz Bono's Dancing Slot

Bono, who was born Chastity Bono, the daughter of Cher and Sonny Bono, was unveiled as part of the reality series' line-up earlier this week (begs29Aug11).

However, some online gossips are unhappy about TV executives' decision to pair a professional female dancer with Bono, who has undergone extensive surgery to become a guy.

But Cher has come to the defence of her son in a series of angry posts on her Twitter.com page.

Taking to the site on Wednesday night (31Aug11), she writes, "Chaz is being viciously attacked on blogs & message boards about being on Dwts! This is still America right? It took guts to do it.

"I support him no matter what he chooses to do! God! Will there always be haters! It took Courage to do Dwts! Chaz has an unlimited supply. Can u guys check out sites & give him your support?... He is such a good person inside (with a) lot a heart."

And Bono was clearly moved by his mother's words, tweeting, "Thanks for all your support mom. The haters are just motivating me to work harder and stay on Dwts as long as I possibly can."

Stars including David Arquette, Ricki Lake and George Clooney's ex Elisabetta Canalis will also show off their fancy footwork on the 13th season of the show, which is set to premiere in the U.S. on 19 September (11).