Willow Palin slams Facebook attackers, defends Bristol going into 'Dancing with the Stars' finale

BY Meena Hartenstein

ABC/INF/Risberg/AP

Willow Palin (l.) is hitting back at reports she hid a hard-partying lifestyle.

As Bristol Palin's wild ride on "Dancing with the Stars" comes to an end, at least one viewer is rooting for her success: her sister Willow.
"Today I am focusing on a special event—Bristol and [partner] Mark [Ballas]'s appearance in the Dancing With the Stars finals," Willow told E! News on Tuesday. "Nothing said today will take away how proud we are of Bristol and her grit and determination that got her this far."
Bristol has been a tabloid fixture during the competition, and Willow herself drew fire last week when she was caught using homophobic rants on her Facebook page.
Bristol later apologized for her sister's comments, adding that she was sorry for joining in the fray herself and posting her own nasty remarks towards critics of her mother's show.
On Tuesday, Willow, 16, also took the opportunity to hit back at a Life & Style report she called "ridiculous," which cited several former classmates who claimed she was hiding a hard-partying past.
One source said he had seen Willow engage in a late night drug deal, while another said the then-15-year-old "chugged" vodka at a house party.
"It is disappointing to see people who claim they know me to sell stories," Willow told E.
"As for people accusing me of being at a party over a year ago, the accusations are ridiculous. The same people saying this were also the ones attacking my family on Facebook. Unfortunately some people have learned that there are publications that will pay money for stories, no matter how misleading."
Despite tough coverage in the press, Willow says she embraces her high profile family and has high hopes for her sister.
"I recognize that my family has been given a great honor and privilege to make a difference in this country, and even though I am just 16, more is expected of me," she said. "That being said, I say this to Bristol and Mark (with a hat tip to Lady Gaga)—Just Dance!"


Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/11/23/2010-11-23_willow_palin_slams_facebook_attackers_defends_bristol_going_into_dancing_with_th.html#ixzz16CJXNT6K