Cher Defends Chaz Bono Against 'Vicious' Attacks

Cher is speaking out in defense of her transgender son Chaz, who has been attacked through the Internet for his involvement in the new season of Dancing with the Stars. 

The award-winning pop diva took to Twitter on Wednesday, saying: "Lovelies! Chaz is Being Viciously Attacked on Blogs & Message boards about being on DWTS!This is Still America right ? It took guts 2 do it."

Many fans have posted angry comments on the show's Internet message boards and elsewhere. One called ABC's casting choice "disgusting." Others have praised Chaz and vowed to support the show.

Cher applauded her only child with Sonny Bono -- who was born female but underwent surgery in 2009 to begin the process of becoming a man -- for putting himself out there on such a high-profile show. "I support him no matter what he chooses 2do! God! will there always be haters! It took COURAGE 2 do dwts!" She added: "Bet VAST MAJORITY of People will LOVE CHAZ on DWTS ! & it took Fkg Guts 2! Chaz isn't exactly the "Gotta Dance Gotta Dance" kinda Guy."

MORE: Chaz's DWTS partner speaks out on the criticism

In her characteristic outspoken style, Cher urged fans to visit message boards and voice their support and tweeted this humorous note: "I think we can agree that Chaz has the biggest ba**s of anyone on DWTS."

In response, Chaz -- who is is paired in the competition with professional dancer Lacey Schwimmer -- used his Twitter account to thank his famous mom: "Thanks for all your support mom. The haters are just motivating me to work harder and stay on DWTS as long as I possibly can."