Dave Coulier defends John Stamos after bald cap photo criticism
'Full House' star Dave Coulier supports co-star John Stamos amid backlash over bald cap gesture during cancer battle
John Stamos sparked controversy after posting photos wearing a bald cap in solidarity with his former Full House co-star, Dave Coulier, who is battling cancer. While some questioned his approach, Coulier defended his friend’s gesture, highlighting their bond and shared humor.
In a recent Instagram post, John Stamos shared photos of himself donning a bald cap alongside a freshly shaved Dave Coulier, who recently revealed his Stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis.
“Nothing like throwing on a bald cap and flexing some Photoshop skills to show some love and solidarity with my bro @dcoulier,” Stamos captioned the images.
The photos, which garnered over half a million likes, were meant as a lighthearted nod to their friendship, but they didn’t land well with everyone. Critics in the comments questioned the appropriateness of Stamos’s choice, labeling it “shallow” and “insensitive.”
Divided reactions
One commenter wrote:
“God bless Dave 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.”
Another critic called the post “a grab for likes,” arguing that meaningful support would have been shaving his head in solidarity rather than staging a visual stunt.
However, fans and supporters came to Stamos’s defense, emphasizing his intent to lift Coulier’s spirits. Many argued that humor, especially in difficult times, is a powerful coping mechanism.
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Expert weighs in
John Librett, PhD, MPH, a cancer survivor and founder of Survivor Healthcare, weighed in on the debate, emphasizing that each person’s cancer journey is deeply personal.
“A cancer diagnosis is extremely personal, and people handle it in different ways,” Librett said. “While humor might not resonate with everyone, it’s not for outsiders to judge how someone chooses to offer support.”
Librett also noted that some people prefer exploring their cancer experience through compassion or curiosity, rather than battling it with aggressive language or support mechanisms like group therapy. “We need a shift in perspective — from fighting cancer as a war to recognizing it as a crisis to be understood.”
Dave Coulier’s response
Coulier himself addressed the backlash with an Instagram post defending Stamos.
“It’s our friendship, and this is how we are handling a very tough time,” Coulier wrote. “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.”
Coulier also highlighted how his diagnosis has inspired others to prioritize their health.
“I have heard from so many people who say they are going to check in with their doctors and get mammograms, a colonoscopy, or a prostate exam,” he shared.
Despite the negative comments, Coulier promised to “laugh in the face of adversity” as he continues his fight against cancer.
Stamos’s gesture may have drawn mixed reactions, but Coulier’s response underscores the importance of respecting how individuals cope with illness. For Coulier, humor remains a key part of his journey — and Stamos’s playful approach is just what he needed.
Ultimately, their friendship shows that support comes in many forms, and what matters most is uplifting those who need it during difficult times.
