Parents of a man who was called a "creep" for dating a woman "trapped in a child's body" have come to his defense. Patty and Mark Schrankel, Shauna's mother and stepfather, had previously stated their concern that Shauna would attract pedophiles due to her childlike appearance.
Parents Of Man Dating Woman 'Trapped In Kid's Body' Say He's Not A Creep
By
Haider Ali in
Relationships
On 25th January 2023
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When Dan Swygart, 26, was romantically linked to Shauna Rae Lesick, 23, it caused some controversy.
Shauna stands three feet ten inches tall and weighs nearly fifty pounds (22.6kg).
Image: danswygart / Instagram
When she was a child, she was told she had brain cancer and received chemotherapy. As a result, her pituitary gland was damaged, which slowed her growth and led to pituitary dwarfism.
Due to her involvement in her TLC reality show, I Am Shauna Rae, she has talked openly about her difficulties with dating.
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Shauna and Dan went on several dates, which started last year.
Dan has faced harsh criticism online, with many labeling him a "creep" for dating someone who looks so young.
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But in response to criticism, his parents have insisted that he and Shauna are mere "friends" and not in any way dating.
His mother Helen told Daily Mail: “Daniel rang me and told me the story has gone everywhere.”
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She added: “They are just friends. There is no relationship.”
“They are friends.”
Meanwhile, his father, Steven, said: “He has appeared in their show and that's the extent of it.”
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“That's it, it's as simple as that.”
“He looks at her and thinks she is a tremendous person despite her disability, she's only small.”
Steven responded that it was "unlikely" when asked if he thought the two would form a romantic relationship.
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The 26-year-old also defended their connection in a recent Instagram video.
He said: “The way me and Shauna met is I saw the first season of the show and I was really inspired by her emotional strength, so I sent her some flowers and a card that said, ‘Go live your best life, wishing you all the happiness you deserve.’”
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The Welshman went on the show despite knowing he would face criticism, he continued.
He continued: “It's very important to remember that Shauna is an incredible 23-year-old woman who has a disability.”
“So as you are building a connection with her, it's important to acknowledge her disability and look past that and build it with who she is as an individual.”
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“She's this incredible, inspiring 23-year-old woman who just happens to be a little bit short.”
One person wrote in reaction to his video: “Well said Dan. I appreciate your coming into our lives.”
While another commented: “Dan is nothing but a gentleman. I’m proud to call him a friend.”