Drama in and out the ballroom Since its debut, Dancing With the Stars has made headlines — sometimes for its eyebrow-raising casting.
One of the most controversial decisions made by ABC came before season 28 in summer 2019. Sean Spicerwas announced as a part of the cast. Many celebrities, including the host, reacted to the news regarding the former White House press secretary. Tom Bergeron.
“A few months ago, during a lunch with DWTS‘ new Executive Producer, I offered suggestions for Season 28,” the former America’s Funniest Home VideosAt the time, host tweeted. “Chief among them was my hope that DWTS, in its returning following an unprecedented year-long hiatus, would be a joyful respite from our exhausting political climate and free of inevitably divisive bookings from ANY party affiliations. I left that lunch convinced that we were in agreement. Subsequently (and rather obviously), a decision was made to, as we often say in Hollywood, ‘go in a different direction.’”
He added, “It is the prerogative of the producers, in partnership with the network, to make whatever decisions they feel are in the best long term interests of the franchise. We can agree to disagree, as we do now, but ultimately it’s their call. I’ll [leave] it to them to answer any further questions about those decisions.”
Bergeron was then fired and replaced by Tyra Banks. The controversial casting continued in the next season. Carole Baskin. The Tiger KingAfter being accused of having something do with Don Lewis’s disappearance, star was cast. She denied any involvement.
A source confirmed that this was done in September 2021. Us WeeklyThat Olivia Jade GiannulliSeason 30 would see her compete. This influencer is most well-known for her involvement in the college admissions scandal that was started by her parents. Lori Loughlin Mossimo Giannulli, were accused of paying $500,000 in bribes to ensure their daughters’ admissions into the University of Southern California. Although the couple initially maintained their innocence they later pleaded guilty fraud charges and spent time in prison.
Olivia, for her part performed with Val ChmerkovskiyUntil their removal in November 2021.
“I’m very proud of her. I’m proud of us. I’m proud of this season,” the dancer told Us after being sent home. “It meant a lot to me to be in a position to help somebody, period. It was also a gift that could have been used by someone else. I’m grateful for that opportunity. I’m grateful that it worked too. Some people were won over. We had a chance to shine a different light on her, and to show her in a new light. And then also show that she earned it, that she wasn’t just given it. She earned her stay here and for eight weeks, it’s been a blast. I got a lot of love for this young lady and I got a lot of love for the universe for bringing us together and giving me a chance to do this season.”
Scroll down to see the rest of the most controversial celebrities that have competed Dancing With the Stars.
