Dave Coulier defends John Stamos after actor is ridiculed for 'insulting' tribute
Coulier was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in October
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}John Stamos is taking some heat for how he chose to stand in "solidarity" with good pal and former castmate Dave Coulier, who announced he was diagnosed with Stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma last week.
The 61-year-old actor posted a photo on social media wearing a bald cap alongside a bald Coulier, who preemptively shaved his head before his treatment started. In one image, Stamos can be seen using a buzz cutter to precision on Coulier's head.
"Nothing like throwing on a bald cap and flexing some Photoshop skills to show some love and solidarity with my bro [Dave Coulier.] You’re handling this with so much strength and positivity—it’s inspiring," he captioned his Instagram post.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT ACTOR DAVE COULIER'S BLOOD BANCER: 'VERY AGGRESSIVE'
John Stamos showed his support for "Full House" co-star Dave Coulier, who is battling cancer. (John Stamos Instagram)
"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 (p.s. - [wife Melissa Coulier] is the most wonderfulest - your true life line!)"
People quickly reacted in the comments section, with many finding Stamos' gesture to be distasteful. Coulier, however, defended Stamos while simultaneously sharing his disappointment with the negativity generated.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}John Stamos, left, commended Dave Coulier's wife, Melissa Coulier, for championing her husband through this difficult process. (John Stamos Instagram)
"I'm sorry to see a bunch of negative comments as I've just begun my cancer journey," Coulier wrote in a post to Instagram. "It's our friendship (me and John) and this is how we are handling a very tough time. I'm a comedian and humor is what drives me. John knows how to cheer me up and I laughed out loud when he arrived wearing a bald cap - being a true loving friend and brother."
"I have heard from so many people who have been inspired enough by my words and actions to say they are going to check in with their doctors and get mammograms, a colonoscopy or a prostate exam," Coulier, 65, continued.
"I'm still going to laugh in the face of adversity."
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"When I lost my sister, Sharon, my mother Arlen, and my niece, Shannon to cancer, we tried to stay positive, and we made each other laugh through the worst of it. So, I'm choosing to spread the word about early cancer detection to help people. That's just who I am. I wish nothing but love for all of you."
Starring together on "Full House" for 8 seasons, John Stamos and Dave Coulier, right, are longtime friends. (Kelly Lee Barrett/Getty Images)
"God bless Dave," one disheartened user started. "But is this really appropriate? A bald cap is showing solidarity? You can just take your cap off and be 'normal' again. 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."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Hate to be that person but this is more insulting by putting on a bald cap then not shaving ur (sic) head. A person with cancer doesn’t have a ‘cap’ they can take off," another reiterated. "What a shallow gesture! Couldn't even cut your hair off for your friend. And you made sure to post it on Instagram to get those likes too," another quipped.
"I’m sorry as a breast cancer survivor this is not support. This is a joke. You should be ashamed of yourself. That’s not how you support us," one woman wrote.
"I'm still going to laugh in the face of adversity."
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}At 61, John Stamos still has his famous head of hair. (Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)
Stamos' affinity for his hair was acknowledged in the comments, as well.
"This is a Really odd choice. Shaving your head (especially since your love for your hair is so well known) would have been the move. Although I know you have the sweetest of intentions, This almost feels like a mockery. Not great [John Stamos]," a person commented.
Although another cancer survivor rebuffed that thinking. "As someone who has had cancer three times I NEVER wanted anyone to shave their head for me. I think this is great and hilarious and I’m sure Dave didn’t really want him to shave his head."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}According to his IMDb, Stamos only has one project in pre-production.
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Dave Coulier showed off his buzzed hair while appearing on the "Today" show last week. (Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)
Others came to Stamos' defense, acknowledging that he and Coulier are great friends and that his intentions were good. "Standing in solidarity isn’t just shaving your head. Don’t be cruel, they are lifelong friends," one user pointed out. "Why are you guys being so miserable on a supportive post? Dave isn’t offended so why are you? John has a job and contracts that don’t allow him to change his appearance unless stated otherwise. Dave is an actor himself and understands that. What’s most important is John is there for his friend when he needs him. Praying for Dave," another said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Full House" co-stars Candace Cameron Bure and Andrea Barber, who played DJ Tanner and Kimmy Gibbler, respectively, both shared words of encouragement beneath Stamos' post. "This is fantastic," Bure wrote with a bunch of heart emojis. "I love you guys so much," Barber added.
Some users thought John Stamos' gesture was vapid, while others believed he was just trying to support his friend in a way he knew how. (Disney/Chris Willard/Getty Images)
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Representatives for both Stamos and Coulier did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.