Former Packers cheerleader at center of cyberbullying controversy

GREEN BAY - A former University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and Green Bay Packers cheerleader is standing up to cyberbullying, claiming she was a victim of it on Facebook.

Kaitlyn Collins cheered for the Packers in 2009 while she was a student at UWGB. On Monday, a picture of her was posted on a Chicago Bears fan Facebook page with the caption, 'Like if you agree the Packers have the worst cheerleaders in the NFL.’

The Packers do not have their own cheerleaders; instead, they use cheerleading teams from St. Norbert College and UWGB.

“I was a little taken aback,” said Collins. “I couldn't believe that some of those words were said and the way they were said.”

The picture drew more than 18,000 comments, a majority supporting Collins.

Bob wrote, “I am a die hard Bears fan but, whoever is putting up these shameful photos should be fired!”

Others weren't so kind, saying “Talk about an ugly cheerleader” and “Doesn't get any uglier. Truly an eyesore.”

“A lot of the comments were very hurtful,” said Collins.

• Click here to see the page where the photo was posted

Collins and her friends contacted Facebook to have the post removed.

“But we all received the same message that it was not bullying under their community standards,” said Collins.

So, Collins decided to make a YouTube video, calling out the hateful comments and thanking those who showed her support. She also hoped to raise awareness about cyberbullying.

Watch the video:

“My hope is that people will, if nothing else, take a second thought before typing those cruel words or saying cruel words to somebody,” said Collins.

As the video spread, so did support for the post to be removed. On Thursday afternoon, it was taken down. The person who posts for the ‘Chicago Bears Fan’ page wrote, “the issue has been resolved and to please respect one another and do not bully on this page.”

“Definitely very happy about that,” said Collins.

While Collins isn't sure if this is a victory, she says she'll take the end result.

“It could have been anybody, but it just so happens that it was me and I'm the kind of person to not back down and to fight for what I believe in,” said Collins.

While Facebook would not return FOX 11’s messages asking for a response to the post, the site warns users it does not tolerate bullying.