Former US congressman George Santos has responded to online criticism of his casting on Fox’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, defending himself and fellow contestants Brandi Glanville and Candace Cameron Bure. He said personal attacks about participants’ appearance or wishes of harm were unacceptable, while acknowledging that public figures can expect some banter.

Santos, who was expelled from Congress, addressed comments about his weight with self-deprecating posts and said the challenge had changed his perspective and been humbling. The fifth season’s cast also includes actors Ruby Rose and Oliver Hudson, former NBA player Matt Barnes, boxer Alycia Baumgardner and former NFL player LeSean McCoy, among others.