Viewers of the hit show Dancing with the Stars have been left reeling after a controversial elimination during the semifinals, which saw one of the competition's highest-scoring couples sent home.
A Shocking Exit
The semifinal episode, which aired on Thursday 20 November 2025, concluded with the unexpected departure of Whitney Leavitt and her professional partner, Mark Ballas. This result came as a major surprise, as the pair had consistently earned high scores from the judging panel and received glowing feedback for their performances.
Despite their technical prowess and effusive praise from the judges, the duo failed to secure enough support from the public vote to progress to the grand finale. Their elimination has highlighted the crucial, and sometimes divisive, role that viewer votes play in determining the outcome of the competition.
Fan Fury Erupts Online
The decision prompted an immediate and fierce backlash from the show's fanbase. The social media platform X became a hotbed of outrage, with countless viewers expressing their anger and disbelief.
Many fans declared the result unjust, labelling Leavitt as the 'best dancer' in the competition and threatening to boycott the upcoming season 34 finale in protest. The sentiment online was overwhelmingly one of frustration, with a significant portion of the audience feeling that the public vote had failed the most talented performer.
However, the reaction was not entirely one-sided. While many championed Leavitt's dancing ability, others pointed to a perceived lack of likeability and referenced past comments she had made as potential reasons for her lack of voter support.
The Finalists Are Set
With the semifinals concluded, the five couples who will be competing for the coveted trophy in next week's finale have been confirmed. The finalists are:
- Elaine and Alan
- Alix and Val
- Robert and Witney
- Dylan and Daniella
- Jordan and Ezra
As the show prepares for its climax, the controversy surrounding Whitney Leavitt's departure continues to cast a shadow, leaving a divided audience and questions about the balance between talent and popularity in the competition.
