Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas Discuss "Really Heavy" Hate Mail After Sharing Their 'Dancing With The Stars' Freestyle Following Elimination

Although Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas did not advance to the Dancing with the Stars Season 34 finale, they still showcased their talent shortly after the show concluded. The duo, eliminated the previous week, joined the Call Her Daddy podcast on Wednesday to discuss their time on the ABC series and present the freestyle routine that was not featured on the finale.

Podcast host Alex Cooper introduced the segment by acknowledging the fans' disappointment. The audience is upset because they were expecting a freestyle from Mark and Whitney. Even if they didnt win, viewers wanted to see that performance, Cooper explained. Were on a dance floor now, and wed be honored if Whitney and Mark performed their final freestyle for us.

At around 1:05:05 in the episode, DWTS announcer Alan Dedicoat formally introduced the pair as they danced to a cover of I Did It My Way. Their routine included a sparkly costume change, symbolic fake blood, and a commentary on online negativity.

The conversation prior to the performance highlighted the impact of online criticism. Leavitt discussed the backlash from fans of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and subsequent DWTS audiences, which had also affected Ballas. He shared a particularly harsh direct message he received, describing it as part of relentless online hostility over a dance show. Ballas reflected, People assume if youre in entertainment, you signed up for this. I joined to dance, choreograph, perform, and bring joy to audiences.

Leavitt admitted that she has grown somewhat desensitized to online attacks over the years but found it difficult to watch someone else face similar negativity. She added, I even wondered if it was my fault that he received such messages. It was an emotional rollercoaster at the time.

Author: Sophia Brooks