A former contestant on a popular televised dance competition has opened up about her experience, suggesting that audience votes were influenced more by personal opinions than by performance quality. The wellness personality, who has a background in ballroom dance, shared her perspective on a recent podcast episode.
During the conversation, she reiterated a previous statement about feeling pressured to leave the show, attributing her early exit to a coordinated effort by some viewers. “The voting system allows for multiple votes per couple,” she explained. “The tactic, as I understand it, was not simply to support a favorite, but to actively vote for every other pairing to diminish support for mine.”
She acknowledged that facing widespread online criticism was difficult, despite maintaining a composed demeanor throughout the competition. “It’s challenging when you see that kind of negativity spread across social platforms. It does affect you,” she admitted.
Her decision to discuss the matter publicly stems from a belief that similar dynamics have affected other competitors in the past. “I’m willing to be vulnerable about this,” she stated. “Some will appreciate the honesty, and others will criticize it further. But if it highlights an issue, it’s worth it.”
The participant was quick to express admiration for her fellow contestants and the production itself, emphasizing she holds no ill will. “Everyone involved was wonderful. I had an incredible experience and I don’t regret it for a second—it was genuinely positive for me,” she said, adding that she has since received supportive messages from some who initially opposed her.
In broader comments about online behavior, she described encountering targeted campaigns on a major social media platform, which she joined only recently. “There’s a particular culture in some corners of these spaces that can be very pointed and personal,” she observed.
Following her elimination from the program, numerous users on social media celebrated the result, with posts explicitly stating they had voted strategically to ensure her departure.
The contestant concluded her remarks by focusing on the personal growth from the experience, affirming she emerged from the competition feeling happier and unchanged in her enthusiasm for dance.
