John Stamos has been met with a wave of backlash after wearing a bald cap to support Dave Coulier amid his cancer battle.
Last week, the Full House actor revealed that he had been diagnosed with Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, describing it as a ‘gut punch’.
John publicly shared his support on social media after the 65-year-old went public with his health issues, vowing to remain ‘by his side through it all’.
Taking to Instagram on Monday night, he proved his support by helping his former co-star shave his head, while sporting a bald cap in ‘solidarity’.
‘Nothing like throwing on a bald cap and flexing some Photoshop skills to show some love and solidarity with my bro @dcoulier,’ the 61-year-old penned.
‘You’re handling this with so much strength and positivity—it’s inspiring. I know you’re going to get through this, and I’m proud to stand with you every step of the way. I love you.’
Giving a shout-out to Dave’s wife, Melissa Coulier, he added: ‘(p.s. – @melissacoulier is the most wonderfulest – your true life line!)’
However, the post left many divided as some accused John of using a ‘shallow gesture’ as a ‘photo op’ on social media.
Kristinakellay slammed his upload, penning: ‘Hate to be that person but this is more insulting by putting on a bald cap then not shaving ur head.
A person with cancer doesn’t have a “cap” they can take off. Prayers and strength to Dave!!! [sic].’
A.jayx agreed: ‘Why the bald cap! You could’ve supported your friend without “pretending” to shave your head!! If my friend did this to me I would be so offended!!
‘I mean look at me with my fake bald head that I can take off whenever I want.’
‘God bless Dave, but is this really appropriate? A bald cap is showing solidarity? You can just take your cap off and be “normal” again,’ Chris.N.Carol wrote.
‘When people take this route they actually shave their head. I can’t help but feel that you’re using Dave’s diagnoses as a way to make yourself more likeable.’
Others quickly rushed to John’s defense, praising his actions and their friendship.
Hillaryfetters commented: ‘Awwww this is so cute … also, to anyone in the comments.. if Dave isn’t offended by this, you shouldn’t be either. And remember .. John is an actor and may need his hair for his JOB.
‘This should be a space filled with positivity and hope.. take the negativity elsewhere.’
‘Sending love. Also love seeing you being so supportive to your brother xoxo,’ Xo_angela_xo replied.
TheJackieruka cheered: ‘You’re a good friend Charlie Brown. Dave is a trooper. All three of you will get through this!’
Lacoolkid urged: ‘Standing in solidarity isn’t just shaving your head. Don’t be cruel, they are lifelong friends.’
As Marty_york added: ‘He’s on a show and can’t cut his hair, the [hell] is wrong with ya’ll he’s there for his friend that’s all that matters.’
Dave and John have been close friends for decades, after starring in beloved sitcom Full House together in the 80s, beside Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Lori Loughlin and the late Bob Saget.
The series originally ran for eight seasons from 1987 – 1995, while the pair reprised their roles as Joey Gladstone and Jesse Katsopolis in the Netflix revival, Fuller House, in 2016.
During an appearance on the Today Show earlier this month, Dave opened up about his cancer diagnosis, explaining that he noticed a golf ball-sized swelling in his groin after coming down with a cold.
Speaking to Hoda Kotb, he shared that he received the news just weeks ago, and has since undergone ‘three surgeries, chemo and hair loss’.
‘It has been a rollercoaster ride, for sure,’ he said. ‘I went from, I got a little bit of a head cold to I have cancer, and it was pretty overwhelming.
‘This has been a really fast roller coaster ride of a journey.
‘It’s a very aggressive type of lymphoma. It happened very quickly, the onset of this growing lymphoma in my groin area was very quick.
‘I said, “Something is not right, I have a golf ball down here.” We biopsied it, we took it out, and they said, “We wish we had better news for you but you have B-Cell lymphoma. We need to get you into chemotherapy right away.”’
Dave has remained positive about his future, vowing his condition is ‘very treatable’ with a ‘90% curability’, and that his treatment should be complete by February.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma occur when white blood cells grow abnormally and can form growths throughout the body.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a common subtype, with symptoms including swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain, chest pain and night sweats.
This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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