UW-Green Bay, Packers cheerleader standing up to Bears bullies
GREEN BAY (WITI) -- A former UW-Green Bay and Packers cheerleader is standing up to some Bears fans. She claims they cyberbullied her on Facebook.
When UW-Green Bay's cheerleaders aren't supporting the fighting Phoenix, you can also find them on Lambeau Field, helping fire up Packers fans.
But on Monday, you could find a picture of 2009 cheerleader, Kaitlyn Collins on the Facebook page Chicago Bears Fan. The picture's caption read, 'like if you agree the Packers have the worst cheerleaders in the NFL.'
"I was a little taken a back. I couldn't believe that some of those words were said and the way they were said," Collins said.
The picture drew more than 1,800 comments, a majority supporting Collins.
Bob wrote, he was a diehard Bears fan, but whoever put up the picture is shameful and should be fired.
Others weren't so kind, saying 'talk about an ugly cheerleader' and 'doesn't get any uglier.' 'Truly an eyesore'.
"A lot of the comments were very hurtful," Collins said.
Collins and her friends tried contacting Facebook to have the post removed.
"We all received the same message that it was not bullying under their community standards," Collins said.
So, Collins decided to make a Youtube video, calling out the hateful comments and thanking those who showed her support. She also hoped to raise awareness about cyberbullying.
"My hope is that people will, if nothing else, take a second thought before typing those cruel words or saying cruel words to somebody," Collins said.
As the video spread, so did support for the post to be removed. On Thursday afternoon, it was taken down. The person who posts for the Bears Fan page wrote,'the issue has been resolved and to please respect one another and do not bully on this page.'
"Definitely very happy about that," Collins said.
While Collins isn't sure if this is a victory, she says she'll take the end result.
"It could have been anybody, but it just so happens that it was me and I'm the kind of person to not back down and to fight for what I believe in," Collins said.
ANCHOR TAG: We tried contacting Facebook about the post, but the company did not return our messages. The site warns users it does not tolerate bullying.