Exploring 5 Scandals in Dancing With the Stars

Since its inception in 2005, Dancing With the Stars has captivated audiences by pairing celebrities with skilled professional dancers in a thrilling competition for the coveted Mirrorball trophy.

Over the years, the show has been no stranger to various controversies. Despite enjoying a huge fanbase, it has encountered several scandals involving judges, participants, and even its presenters.

Fans are eagerly looking forward to more exhilarating performances and potential plot twists in the ballroom as the next installment of Dancing With the Stars is set to air on October 22, 2024.

Five Controversial Episodes from Dancing With the Stars

1) The Departure of Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews

In a surprising twist before the launch of Season 29, beloved hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews were unexpectedly dismissed in July 2020. This decision sent shockwaves throughout the fan community, especially since Bergeron had been an integral part of the show from day one.

In a podcast interview on Bob Saget’s Here for You in October 2021, Bergeron reflected, saying,

“The show that I left was not the show that I loved.”

2) The Controversy Between Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovskiy

During Season 13, a storm of controversy erupted when soccer player Hope Solo accused her partner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, of abuse during rehearsals. In her autobiography, Solo: A Biography of Hope, she alleged incidents of being “manhandled,”even claiming that he left a visible handprint on her abdomen.

Chmerkovskiy strongly denied these allegations, labeling Solo a “sh–ty person” in a 2015 interview, and insisted that her claims were fabrications. This incident not only overshadowed the season but also contributed to Chmerkovskiy’s growing reputation as a volatile figure on the show.

3) Sean Spicer’s Controversial Appearance

The inclusion of former White House press secretary Sean Spicer in Season 28 stirred significant tension. His participation as a politically divisive figure upset many viewers, prompting calls for boycotts against the show.

Tom Bergeron, still the host at the time, expressed disappointment, stating he envisioned the show as a “joyful respite from our exhausting political climate.”Despite the backlash, Spicer continued to advance in the competition, primarily due to support from his fan base rather than his dance skills.

4) Bobby Bones’ Remarkable Triumph

It came as a shock to many when radio host Bobby Bones, along with his partner Sharna Burgess, claimed the Mirrorball trophy in Season 27. This victory was especially notable as Bones outperformed more technically skilled contestants like Milo Manheim and Evanna Lynch.

Bones himself acknowledged that his dedicated fanbase rather than his dancing ability was the reason for his success, sparking widespread debate about the voting system’s fairness and whether it prioritized popularity over talent.

5) The Backlash Against Carole Baskin’s Participation

Another controversial casting decision was that of Carole Baskin from Tiger King in Season 29. Due to her connection to the ongoing investigation regarding her ex-husband Don Lewis’s disappearance, her appearance in the series ignited significant uproar.

Despite championing animal rights during her time on the show, Baskin’s notoriety quickly overshadowed her advocacy efforts, leading many to accuse Dancing With the Stars of exploiting her fame to attract viewers. Although her journey on the show was short-lived—eliminated in the third week—the discussions surrounding her involvement left a lasting impact.

The upcoming episode of Dancing With the Stars will air on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 8/7c, through ABC and Disney+.

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