Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas recently faced elimination from Dancing with the Stars, but that didn’t stop them from sharing their dance. They appeared on Alex Cooper’s podcast, Call Her Daddy, where they performed a freestyle routine, which would have been their final dance if they had made it to the finale.
The duo danced to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” reflecting on their journey amid some tough criticism during the season. Their routine included glimpses of Whitney dealing with negative comments while being lifted up by Mark, symbolizing their bond. The performance closed with Whitney’s enthusiastic shout, “I f—— love this show!”
Whitney shared her feelings about being eliminated in the semi-finals. “I feel grateful, but I also feel sad,” she admitted. The backlash against her included comments about her dance background and her motivations for returning to her role in Mormon Wives. She acknowledged that her media persona preceded her on Dancing with the Stars, influencing how people viewed her participation.
Interestingly, Whitney noted that she has grown desensitized to negative feedback over time. “I had experienced it myself, but seeing someone I care about go through it hurt,” she said. This year’s show saw an increase in hateful comments, especially around the five-week mark of the competition, which shocked both dancers.
Recent statistics show that around 40% of reality TV participants report facing online bullying, highlighting the intense scrutiny contestants often undergo. Whitney’s experience echoes a broader trend affecting many public figures today.
Both Whitney and Mark’s journey on Dancing with the Stars continues to resonate with fans online, showing that resilience and support can shine through adversity. Their story reminds us of the emotional challenges many face in the public eye.
For more insights on dealing with online criticism, you can check out this report from the Pew Research Center.
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