Whitney Leavitt Opens Up About Coping with ‘Villainous’ Image and Exit from ‘DWTS’
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Whitney Leavitt recently sat down with her ‘Dancing with the Stars’ partner Mark Ballas on a special episode of the ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast, shedding light on her experiences on the hit dance competition show. The 32-year-old actress, known for her role on ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,’ revealed how she anticipated her ‘villain’ persona from her previous TV appearance to follow her onto the DWTS stage.
Leavitt shared her mixed emotions following her elimination during the semi-finals of the show, expressing gratitude while also feeling a sense of sadness. Despite having a background in Modern Dance from Brigham Young University, she emphasised that the DWTS experience was still relatively new to her. The backlash she received for her past dance experience and perceived persona added an extra layer of complexity to her journey on the show.
Facing criticism and negativity was nothing new to Leavitt, given her previous television role, but watching her partner, Mark Ballas, deal with the online backlash proved to be a challenging experience for her. She admitted that seeing someone she cared about being targeted was particularly hurtful, leading to a rollercoaster of emotions as they navigated the turbulent waters together.
The duo recounted the onslaught of hateful comments they received, which seemed to intensify around the five-week mark of the competition. The timing coincided with the premiere of the third season of ‘Mormon Wives,’ where Leavitt had expressed her aspirations to audition for DWTS. The mixed reactions from audiences added another layer of complexity to their DWTS journey, with Leavitt acknowledging the potential influence of her previous TV appearance on the public’s perception of her.
As they reflected on their elimination from DWTS, both Leavitt and Ballas acknowledged the unpredictability of the voting process and the level of competition among the contestants. Despite the challenges they faced, Leavitt remains focused on her upcoming role in a movie, marking a new chapter in her career post-DWTS. The experience has undeniably been a learning curve for Leavitt, who has grown more resilient in the face of adversity.
Following her emotional exit from the show, Leavitt shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing her gratitude for the friendships and experiences she gained during her time on DWTS. She highlighted the bond she formed with Ballas, describing him as a lifelong friend and a source of constant support. The duo’s journey on the dance floor may have come to an end, but their friendship continues to thrive beyond the confines of the competition.
While Leavitt’s path on DWTS may have had its ups and downs, her resilience and determination to overcome challenges shine through. As she embarks on new opportunities in the entertainment industry, Leavitt’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of adversity. Her candid reflections offer insight into the realities of competing in the spotlight and the strength that comes from facing obstacles head-on.