Twist in man’s relationship with woman who looks eight years old

A travel blogger who was accused of being “creepy” for dating a 23-year-old woman who looks like an eight-year-old girl has given an update on the pair’s relationship.

A travel blogger who was accused of being “creepy” for dating a 23-year-old woman who looks like an eight-year-old girl has provided an update on the pair’s relationship.

Dan Swygart, 26, recently began romancing reality star Shauna Rae – whose growth was stunted due to treatment she received as a child for brain cancer. Rae – who is 3ft 10in, or 1.1m, tall – is the subject of the TLC reality series, I Am Shauna Rae.

Swygart recently shared several snaps with Rae on Instagram, before posting a video to the social media site vehemently defending their connection.

Now, the UK native has revealed he and Rae have decided they’re better off as friends than lovers.

Dan Swygart has provided an update on his relationship with Shauna Rae. Picture: Instagram

Swygart, 26, recently began romancing 23-year-old Rae. Picture: Instagram

Last year, Rae spoke about how she’s constantly underestimated because she looks like a young girl. Picture: Instagram

“Me and Shauna are just good friends, we’re getting to know each other,” he explained in a new Instagram video, before doubling down on his earlier comments against their critics.

“But I think it’s absolutely disgusting, the attitude of some people. She’s been through so much in life.

“She survived cancer as a child, she’s always felt different and was treated different by society. How dare you take away her right to have a connection, a friendship, a relationship with someone else?

“Who are you to say that she can’t have that? I am absolutely disgusted by some people’s attitudes towards her and my friendship with her.”

In his initial video, Swygart revealed that he reached out to Rae with flowers after seeing the first season of her show. The pair soon met in person and went on several dates together.

“It’s very important to remember that Shauna is an incredible 23-year-old woman who has a disability,” he explained.

“So as you’re 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.

“She’s this incredible, inspiring 23-year-old woman who just happens to be a little bit short. And as soon as you say that she can’t have a real-world connection with someone else, you dehumanise her which is absolutely disgusting.

“She is a human being. She deserves to have relationships and connections with whomever she wants. And I think some people aren’t emotionally mature enough to understand that you can have a deep connection based on personality rather than just on looks.”

Swygart revealed that he reached out to Rae with flowers after seeing the first season of her show. Picture: Instagram

Swygart – who hails from the UK – appears in the second season of I Am Shauna Rae, where he is seen forging a connection with the star.

But the Brit was blasted by viewers, with someone saying he was “sick” for thinking of Rae as a legitimate love interest.

“Yes, she is 23, but she looks and talks like an eight-year-old. She also does not act like a mature woman. She is childlike,” one critic claimed, according to The Mirror.

“If any man or woman can honestly say that they can see her as a ‘sexual woman’, they are either lying or sick. PERIOD,” another allegedly stated, while a third described him as “creepy”.

Rae's growth was stunted due to treatment she received as a child for brain cancer. Picture: Instagram

Last year, Rae spoke with the New York Post about her reality show and how she’s constantly underestimated because she looks like a young girl.

“If you look at me, you see an eight-year-old girl,” she stated.

“But I think if you take the time to look at the details in my face, in my hands, the maturity in my body – and I think if you take the time to actually talk to me – you really understand that I’m a 23-year-old.”

– with the New York Post