Full Breakdown
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas Reflect on DWTS Journey and Online Backlash
11/27/2025, 12:47:54 PM
Elimination and Emotional Aftermath
Whitney Leavitt and her partner Mark Ballas were eliminated from Season 34 of *Dancing With the Stars* (DWTS) during the semi-finals on November 18, 2025, despite receiving high scores from the judges throughout the competition. The duo appeared on the *Call Her Daddy* podcast on November 26 to discuss their experiences, including the emotional toll of their elimination and the intense online backlash they faced. Leavitt described her feelings post-elimination as akin to a breakup, stating, “When you’re cast on *Dancing With the Stars*, you are seeing these people hours every single day. Then it just stops. It genuinely feels like a breakup.”
The Impact of Online Hate
Both Leavitt and Ballas addressed the relentless online criticism they received during their time on the show. Ballas shared a particularly harsh message he received, which included derogatory language and threats. Leavitt noted that while she had become somewhat desensitized to online hate due to her previous reality TV experience, it was painful to witness Ballas endure such negativity for the first time. “It was triggering to watch someone experience that for the first time,” she said, expressing concern that the backlash might be a reflection of her own presence on the show.
The Jen Affleck Controversy
Leavitt also discussed her relationship with fellow contestant Jen Affleck, which became strained after Affleck's elimination. Following Affleck's departure from the competition, Leavitt was caught on camera appearing to smile, which led to speculation about her feelings. Leavitt clarified that her reaction was a mix of relief at her own continuation in the competition and sadness for Affleck. “I felt no excitement whatsoever,” she stated, emphasizing that she was not celebrating Affleck's exit. The current state of their relationship is not positive, with Leavitt admitting, “The relationship’s not great. I don’t really even know if there is one right now.”
Performance and Future Plans
Despite their elimination, Leavitt and Ballas performed a freestyle routine on the podcast, which they had not been able to showcase during the finale. The performance included themes addressing online hate and bullying, culminating in a message that read, “Social Media Is Bad for Your Mental Health.” Leavitt expressed gratitude for the experience, stating, “I loved every bit of it, but the one thing that I have loved the most that I wasn’t expecting was getting a lifelong friend,” referring to her partnership with Ballas.
Official Statements & Responses
In their podcast appearance, both Leavitt and Ballas reflected on the challenges they faced during the competition, including the impact of their previous reality TV roles on public perception. Ballas remarked on the intensity of the backlash, noting, “I think with the intensity of the show and how big it’s gotten, everybody’s been getting backlash online.” Leavitt added that she hoped to continue pursuing her dreams in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the face of criticism.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When you’re cast on Dancing With the Stars, you are seeing these people [for] hours every single day. Then it just stops. It genuinely feels like a breakup,” — Whitney Leavitt
- “But I think like what was a little bit triggering was watching someone experience that for the first time for something for what?” — Whitney Leavitt
- “no excitement whatsoever” — Whitney Leavitt
- “I think with the intensity of the show and how big it’s gotten — which I love so much — everybody’s been getting backlash online,” — Mark Ballas
This episode of *Call Her Daddy* marks a significant moment for Leavitt and Ballas as they navigate the complexities of reality television, public scrutiny, and personal growth.
