Full Breakdown
Whitney Leavitt's Emotional Elimination from Dancing With the Stars
11/21/2025, 10:32:55 PM
Whitney Leavitt's Heartfelt Reaction
Whitney Leavitt, a contestant from *Dancing With the Stars* season 34 and star of *Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, expressed her emotional turmoil following her elimination during the semifinals. In a tearful Instagram video, Leavitt described the experience as akin to a breakup, stating, "It feels like I'm going through withdrawals right now." Despite achieving high scores from the judges and outperforming several competitors, Leavitt and her professional partner Mark Ballas were eliminated just before the season finale.
The Impact of Elimination
Leavitt articulated the profound connections formed during the competition, noting, "When you're casted on Dancing with the Stars, you are seeing these people hours every single day. Then it just stops." She emphasized the friendships and personal growth experienced throughout the season, stating, "You grow real friendships... you just feel so loved." Although she did not win the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, Leavitt reflected on the positive aspects of her journey, highlighting the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals.
Support from Peers
Following her elimination, Leavitt received an outpouring of support from her fellow contestants and co-stars. Mayci Neeley, a fellow cast member, expressed her pride in Leavitt, while Danielle Fishel empathized with her feelings of sadness, stating, "This is just the beginning!! I know the sadness is soooo real — I've been there — and it means we loved HARD!!" Such sentiments underscore the emotional bonds formed among contestants during the competition.
Criticism of the Elimination Decision
Andy Richter, a comedian and former contestant, publicly criticized the decision to eliminate Leavitt. In an interview with *Entertainment Weekly*, he stated, "I think Whitney going home, to me it's absolutely insane. I mean, she's an amazing dancer." Richter suggested that the dynamics of the show, including audience perceptions and personal narratives, may have influenced voting outcomes more than dancing ability. He noted that there is often a "soap opera going on adjacent to this show," implying that factors beyond performance can affect contestants' fates.
Conclusion
Whitney Leavitt's elimination from *Dancing With the Stars* has sparked discussions about the emotional toll of the competition and the complexities of audience voting. As she navigates her feelings post-elimination, Leavitt remains grateful for the friendships formed, particularly with Mark Ballas, whom she described as a lifelong friend. The season continues to air on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu.
