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.

Analysis: The Impact of Online Criticism on Contestants of Reality Shows

Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas' appearance on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast offered an intimate insight into the emotional toll online negativity can take on reality TV contestants. While their elimination from "Dancing with the Stars" Season 34 disappointed many fans, their decision to showcase their final freestyle routine on the podcast highlighted both their resilience and the challenges they face in the spotlight.

The routine, which included a costume change and symbolic elements such as fake blood, was a symbolic response to the harsh criticism the duo endured. Despite not advancing to the finale, Leavitt and Ballas took the opportunity to address the impact of online hate, particularly focusing on the negative messages they had received from fans. This candid discussion sheds light on how public figures in the entertainment industry are often unfairly expected to endure online hostility as part of the job. Ballas’ reflection on joining the show to entertain rather than face relentless criticism is a poignant reminder of the human side of reality television.

Leavitt’s comment about feeling responsible for Ballas receiving negative messages further humanizes their experience. It’s clear that while she may have become somewhat desensitized to online attacks, the emotional weight of such backlash can still be felt deeply, especially when it affects those around her.

In the broader context, the discussion raises questions about the toxicity of online spaces and the long-term impact it may have on reality show contestants, who, despite their public personas, are still individuals subjected to personal attacks. As the digital world continues to influence public opinion, it is crucial to consider the psychological toll on those who entertain us on screen.

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• Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas Share Their ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Freestyle After Elimination, Discuss “Really Heavy” Hate Mail