A man who dated a woman that 'looks eight years old' has delivered an update on their relationship status. Dan Swygart insists he and reality TV star, Shauna Rae, are now 'just friends'.
The 23-year-old looks younger than she is because her growth was stunted due to brain cancer treatment she underwent as a child. The Daily Star reports that alongside her youthful appearance, she is diminutive in height as well, being only 3ft 10in.
Shauna shot to fame after being featured in the TLC reality series, 'I Am Shauna Rae'. Dan recently shared many pictures with Shauna on Instagram, which was followed by a post explaining why the pair have a special bond.
However, now the 26-year-old has admitted he and Shauna have realised they fit better as friends, as opposed to lovers. In a clip reportedly posted on social media he also hit back at trolls who labelled him 'creepy' for their romantic relationship.
According to news.com.au, he said in an Instagram video: "Me and Shauna are just good friends, we’re getting to know each other. But I think it’s absolutely disgusting, the attitude of some people.
"She’s been through so much in life. She survived cancer as a child, she’s always felt different and was treated differently by society.
"How dare you take away her right to have a connection, a friendship, a relationship with someone else? Who are you to say that she can’t have that?
"I am absolutely disgusted by some people’s attitudes towards her and my friendship with her."
In a previous post, Dan admitted he had got in touch with Shauna after watching the first series of her show. This led to the pair meeting up in person, and they went on to have a few dates.
The travel blogger told people when someone builds a connection with her, it's vital to understand her disability. He claims it is key to be able to "look past it" to learn more about who she is as a person.
Dan said: "She’s this incredible, inspiring 23-year-old woman who just happens to be a little bit short. And as soon as you say that she can’t have a real-world connection with someone else, you dehumanise her which is absolutely disgusting.
“She is a human being. She deserves to have relationships and connections with whomever she wants.
"And I think some people aren’t emotionally mature enough to understand that you can have a deep connection based on personality rather than just on looks."
Dan - who is from the UK - appeared in the second series of 'I Am Shauna Rae' as the show documents how the pair connected. He was later slammed by viewers, as some accused him of being "sick" for thinking he could have a romantic relationship with Shauna.
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