DWTS Elimination Reveals Awkward Moment Between Co-Stars

An awkward moment between contestants Danielle Fishel and Whitney Leavitt has sparked debate among Dancing With the Stars viewers. The incident occurred immediately following the shocking elimination of Lauren Jauregui on TikTok Night. Social media users are dissecting the brief, tense interaction.

The moment circulated online after the September 30th episode. Fans believe Fishel appeared to snub Leavitt’s celebratory approach.

Social Media Reaction and Fan Interpretation

Viewers took to social media platform X to share their observations. One user criticized Leavitt’s timing, suggesting she failed to read the somber room. Another fan applauded Fishel for what they perceived as shutting down an insensitive celebration.

The clip shows Leivitt’s expression shifting from a smile to stern. The moment was fleeting but captured audience attention. According to E! News, representatives for both women have not yet commented.

Contestant Response and Elimination Fallout

Danielle Fishel has since addressed the situation publicly. She spoke to TMZ the day after the elimination. Fishel stated she does not blame Whitney for feeling happy about her own safety.

“It’s a rollercoaster of emotions,” Fishel explained. She noted that contestants can feel multiple things at once. They can be happy for themselves while also sad for the departing contestant.

Fishel also discussed the elimination on her iHeartRadio podcast, Pod Meets World. She expressed surprise that Lauren Jauregui was sent home. Fishel praised Jauregui’s performances and great scores from the judges.

How DWTS Eliminations Really Work

The surprise result highlights the importance of viewer votes. Pro dancer Lindsay Arnold has explained the scoring system previously. Eliminations are based 50% on judges’ scores and 50% on public votes.

This means a celebrity with low scores can survive with strong fan support. Conversely, high scores alone cannot guarantee safety from elimination. The system ensures the audience plays a crucial role each week.

The perceived tension underscores the high-pressure environment of the ABC competition. The incident quickly became a major talking point for DWTS fans. Viewer votes remain as critical as judge critiques for survival.

Thought you’d like to know

What did fans see between Danielle and Whitney?

Viewers saw Whitney Leavitt approach Danielle Fishel while smiling after the elimination. Fishel appeared to pull away, and Leavitt’s expression then turned serious. The moment was captured on video and shared widely online.

How did Danielle Fishel respond to the incident?

Fishel told TMZ she holds no ill will, calling the show an emotional rollercoaster. She said it’s possible to feel happy for safe friends and sad for those leaving. The actress expressed genuine surprise at Lauren Jauregui’s elimination.

Why was Lauren Jauregui’s elimination considered shocking?

Jauregui had received consistently strong scores from the judges. She had never been at the bottom of the leaderboard score-wise. Her departure demonstrated the powerful impact of viewer voting on the final outcome.

How does the DWTS voting system work?

Eliminations are determined by a 50/50 split between judges’ scores and home viewer votes. This balance means a popular contestant with lower scores can outlast a high-scoring but less popular one. Every vote counts significantly toward the final result.

Have the dancers commented on the social media reaction?

As reported by E! News, representatives for both women have not provided official statements. Danielle Fishel has publicly addressed the elimination itself but not the specific viral moment. The network has not commented on the fan speculation.