Andy Cohen has found himself in the spotlight once again, after issuing an apology to actress Julia Stiles during a recent episode of ‘Watch What Happens Live’. The incident stems from a comment Cohen made last year regarding Stiles’ dancing skills, which has reportedly lingered in her mind as she competes on the latest season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/andy-cohen-wwhl-julia-stiles-dwts-91726-bf8cff9d970b41118cca538922c7ff85.jpg)
During a live broadcast of the dance competition on September 16, Stiles opened up about the remark Cohen had made on his SiriusXM radio show, in which he described her as “not the greatest dancer on the planet”. Reflecting on that quip, she revealed to her dance partner, Ezra Sosa, that it has “imprinted in [her] brain” and further fueled her determination to succeed in the competition. With an ambitious spirit, Stiles boldly declared her intention to win the coveted Mirrorball trophy, exclaiming, “We’re gonna win the Mirrorball, sit on Andy’s couch and be like, ‘Hey!’”
The actress showcased her determination through her performance that night; a quickstep set to Dolly Parton’s classic “9 to 5”. Following her routine, judge Derek Hough echoed the sentiments of many viewers by referencing Cohen’s earlier comment. He praised Stiles’ performance as “beautiful” and “graceful”, cheekily adding, “Andy Cohen, you can eat it.”
That same evening, Cohen, now aged 58, took the opportunity to publicly address Stiles’ remarks in a candid response during his show. After watching a clip of her performance, he expressed regret over his previous comments and offered his congratulations. “Julia, I am so sorry. I am the last person who should be giving anyone feedback on their dancing,” he stated. Cohen praised Stiles’ performance, saying, “Great job, Julia Stiles. You killed it tonight. You did amazing tonight. I know you’re going to have a great run.” He also cheekily encouraged fans to send him critiques, joking about his own lack of dancing prowess.
In a previous conversation with Variety in August, Cohen expressed his own insecurities about dancing on television, noting, “I can’t dance on TV. No one wants to see that.” Such sentiments contrast sharply with the ambition displayed by Stiles, who had been invited to join the competition several times over the years but had always shied away due to fear and self-doubt. Leading up to the season premiere, she told PEOPLE that this year felt different. “This year I was like, ‘I’m scared I might say yes.’ The timing just felt right, and I was like, ‘You only live once,’” she reflected.
As she prepared for her first performance, Stiles admitted to feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. She described her apprehension about meeting Sosa, who is 25 years old, but was keen to ensure that her anxiety didn’t hinder her performance. “I think nerves are a good thing when they make you stand at attention; they make you focus, you just don’t want to be overwhelmed by them,” she shared.
Sosa spoke highly of his partner, expressing admiration for her dedication and progress. “I am very impressed by her work ethic, her drive, and just to see her growth in the two weeks,” he said. His enthusiasm is palpable, noting that her status as a fan of the show adds another layer of excitement to their partnership. Stiles’ journey through the competition has been particularly inspiring, as she bravely confronts her fears and embraces the stage.
‘Dancing with the Stars’ continues to air on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes subsequently streaming on Hulu. As the competition unfolds, viewers are left eagerly anticipating how Stiles will fare and whether she can indeed prove Cohen wrong, making her mark in the world of dance.