Cheerleader Kelsey Williams Criticized By Female Sports Blogger for Being "Too Chunky": Report

Words will never hurt Kelsey Williams. The NBA Oklahoma City Thunder cheerleader was recently criticized for her weight by CBS Houston blogger Claire Crawford, but she's trying to focus on the positives.

Oklahoma City Thunder cheerleader Kelsey Williams has been criticized for her weight.
Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images

According to the Daily Mail, Crawford came under fire on Wednesday, Apr. 24 after she reportedly asked readers if Williams was "too chunky" to cheer. "[Williams] has been criticized by some folks in [Oklahoma] for having 'pudginess' around her waistline," she allegedly wrote. "Is this chick 'too chunky' to be a cheerleader?"

"But if she's comfortable wearing that tiny outfit and dancing for NBA fans, then good for her," Crawford said. "Besides . . . not every man likes women to be toothpick skinny. I'd say most men prefer a little extra meat on her bones."

Commenters quickly criticized the blogger's post, calling it "offensive" and "disgusting." Many also argued that the image used in the story was simply an unflattering photo. The initial story was quickly removed from CBS Houston's website, but a cached version is still online.

Williams, however, isn't letting the remarks get her down. On Twitter Apr. 24, she wrote, "'To be womanly always, discouraged never.'" She then added, "We wouldn't know what blessings were if we didn't go through trials. Thank you to EVERYONE for the compassion and love today. I'm in awe."

Miley Cyrus: It "Seems Right" to Wear Engagement Ring, Be Committed to Liam Hemsworthv

Miley Cyrus is more traditional than her fans may think. In the June issue of ELLE UK, the 20-year-old singer opens up about why getting engaged to Liam Hemsworth nearly one year ago felt like a natural progression in their relationship.

"We have a house together and dogs. It just seems right to be wearing this ring and to be committed," she says. "But we keep our relationship low-key and don't talk about it any more." (With current reports saying Cyrus has hit a rough patch in her relationship with the Hunger Games actor, 23, the couple of four years has put their wedding a hold, it's unclear when the singer's interview occurred.)

Miley Cyrus is interviewed in the new Elle U.K.
Credit: Elle UK

The former Hannah Montana star says she's making a conscious effort to stay out of the spotlight as much as possible. "We were too nice to the world and gave them too much insight -- into my life and my puppies and my house –- and I just don't feel they get that privilege any more," Cyrus explains. "Like on my Twitter, I'm much more . . . not conservative, but you don't see a picture of my dogs. You don't get that personal stuff any more."

The "Can't Be Tamed" singer has the same conservative notion when it comes to her career. "A star is someone who doesn't have to take her clothes off to be sexy because you naturally have star power. Sex does sell, but you have to find a way that's not just showing your tits," she says. "I don't want to be a glorified model. They just walk on stage and it's all about their clothes -- or lack of clothes."

Cyrus also works hard at staying grounded while living in Los Angeles, which she knows is "not reality."

"This isn't like any other place," she acknowledges. "Everything is meant to be attractive, from the people on the sidewalks to the gold fire hydrants in Beverly Hills."

"I feel like Rapunzel," Cyrus says of the fame. "Rapunzel with a mohawk!"

Cyrus' full interview with ELLE UK hits newsstands on May 1.