In a jaw-dropping twist that has left Dancing with the Stars fans reeling, reality TV sensation Whitney Leavitt and her pro partner Mark Ballas were unceremoniously booted from Season 34 during the high-stakes semifinals on Prince Night. Despite earning top-tier scores for their electrifying performances, the duo fell victim to viewer votes, sparking outrage and calls for the return of the controversial Judges’ Save. As the competition barrels toward the finals, Leavitt’s unexpected DWTS elimination has ignited debates about voting biases, gender dynamics in reality TV, and the relentless grind of celebrity stardom.
A Night of Purple Rain and Heartbreak: Recapping Prince Night
Tuesday’s episode of Dancing with the Stars transformed the ballroom into a vibrant tribute to the late icon Prince, with contestants channeling hits like “Kiss” and “Purple Rain” through intricate choreography. Whitney Leavitt, the 32-year-old breakout star from Hulu’s Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, and two-time Mirrorball winner Mark Ballas delivered what many deemed their strongest showings yet.
The pair opened with a sultry cha-cha to Prince’s “Kiss,” infused with playful flair and razor-sharp synchronization that earned them a near-perfect 29 out of 30 from the judges. Derek Hough praised their “undeniable chemistry,” while Bruno Tonioli called it “a royal romp of rhythm.” Hot on its heels, their Viennese waltz to “Purple Rain” was a emotional powerhouse, blending technical precision with raw vulnerability—scoring another 29 and drawing tears from the panel.
With combined scores of 58, Leavitt and Ballas tied for second place alongside Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, behind frontrunners Robert Irwin and Witney Carson. Yet, in a cruel twist of DWTS semifinals fate, the power of public votes proved insurmountable. The elimination was announced just one week shy of the grand finale, leaving the audience—and Leavitt herself—in stunned silence.
Fan Fury Erupts: Demands for Judges’ Save and Accusations of a ‘Rigged’ Show
The Whitney Leavitt DWTS elimination has unleashed a torrent of backlash across social media, with #JusticeForWhitney trending nationwide within hours. Fans argue that the absence of the Judges’ Save—scrapped in recent seasons—robbed the competition of fairness, especially for underdogs like Leavitt, whose Secret Lives of Mormon Wives fame brought a fresh, unfiltered energy to the dance floor.
“Why eliminate someone with 58 points? Bring back the Judges’ Save NOW! This is rigged,” one viewer fumed on X, echoing sentiments from thousands. Others tied the snub to deeper issues, with supporters decrying it as evidence of “society’s hate for ambitious women who own their narrative.” Leavitt, known for her bold TikTok presence and unapologetic take on Mormon culture, has long polarized audiences—a dynamic that may have influenced the vote, per online speculation.
Parade Magazine reported a surge in petitions urging ABC to reinstate the save mechanic, highlighting how Leavitt’s exit mirrors past controversies in Dancing with the Stars voting patterns. E! News captured the sentiment perfectly: “Fans are rallying like it’s a royal decree.”
Whitney Leavitt’s Graceful Response: ‘I Would Do It All Again’
Amid the chaos, Whitney Leavitt emerged as a beacon of resilience. In exclusive interviews post-elimination, the influencer-turned-dancer opened up about her Mark Ballas Whitney Leavitt partnership and the personal growth sparked by the show.
“We had a gut feeling it was coming,” Leavitt admitted to E! News, crediting Ballas’s veteran instincts for preparing her emotionally. “Mark is a legend—he brought out a side of me I didn’t know existed. This journey strengthened my marriage, my confidence, everything.” She emphasized how DWTS dovetailed with her Secret Lives of Mormon Wives arc, where she reclaimed her narrative after stepping away from the spotlight.
Reflecting on the hate that’s shadowed her rise—from online trolls to voting backlash—Leavitt doubled down: “I would do it all again, no regrets. Grateful doesn’t even cover it.” Ballas echoed the positivity, calling their time “pure magic” in a joint Instagram Reel that has racked up millions of views.
Newsweek noted the emotional weight of her exit, with Leavitt visibly tearing up during the reveal but quickly pivoting to applause for her competitors. ExtraTV highlighted her post-show vow to “keep swimming,” a nod to her Finding Nemo-inspired resilience.
What’s Next for Whitney Leavitt After DWTS?
As Dancing with the Stars finals loom—featuring heavy hitters like Robert Irwin and Alix Earle—Leavitt isn’t fading into the background. Sources close to the star hint at a potential Secret Lives of Mormon Wives spin-off and expanded TikTok collabs, capitalizing on her DWTS glow-up.
Her elimination may sting, but it’s fueling a larger conversation about inclusivity in dance competitions and the perils of fan-driven formats. For now, Leavitt’s message is clear: In a world quick to judge, she’s dancing to her own beat.
