Whitney Leavitt Speaks Out After DWTS Elimination
Whitney Leavitt, known for her role in “The Secret Life of Mormon Mrs.,” had a heartfelt response for those criticizing her after her elimination from “Dancing with the Stars.” Following the crowning of Robert Irwin and Witney Carson as season 34 champs, Leavitt joined her partner Mark Ballas on Alex Cooper’s show.
They had a chance to perform their anticipated finale dance on November 26, despite being eliminated in the semifinals. Fans were vocal about their disappointment, eager to see Leavitt and Ballas showcase their freestyle. Cooper even noted, “They’re like, ‘Why can’t we see Mark and Whitney do a freestyle dance? Even if they don’t win, at least let us see them dance.’”
Leavitt and Ballas performed amidst a backdrop of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” featuring dramatic costume changes and symbolic elements reflecting the online backlash they’ve faced during the competition. On the podcast, Ballas shared some of the harsh messages he had received while on the show. “Are you that cheap to rot and do something like this?” was just one of the many negative comments he read aloud.
Ballas also pointed out a common misconception, saying, “There’s a narrative that people signed up for this because they wanted to be in the entertainment industry. I signed up to dance, to choreograph, to make music, to bring happiness.”
Leavitt acknowledged that reality TV fame has somewhat “desensitized” her to the negativity. “I’ve been going through it for years,” she admitted. “But witnessing someone new experience it for the first time was triggering.” She expressed her emotions, oscillating between feeling guilt and confusion, especially when reflecting on the impact of their partnership.
After the competition, Leavitt took to Instagram, sharing a teary video that conveyed her gratitude for the opportunity, despite the challenges. She emphasized the deep connections formed during the show, stating, “It really feels like a breakup. I feel like I’m going through withdrawal symptoms right now.”
Moreover, her unexpected friendship with Ballas has been a silver lining throughout the experience. “Well, I loved every part of it, but my favorite thing that I didn’t expect was that I gained a lifelong friend,” she shared, adding humor about their bond.
As the conversation turned to the topic of competition, Leavitt speculated that the drama surrounding “Mormon Wives” might have contributed to her challenges. Ballas reflected on the unpredictability of voting outcomes on shows like this, emphasizing how shifting perceptions could influence the results.
In the finale, Irwin and Carson triumphed over influencer Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, with Irwin sharing his joy on Instagram and receiving congratulations from Prince William and Duchess Kate.
