The 12 Biggest “Dancing with the Stars” Controversies Ever, from Bobby Bones’ Win to Val Chmerkovskiy’s Suspension

**Controversies and Dramatic Moments that Shook ‘Dancing with the Stars’**

Since its debut in 2005, “Dancing with the Stars” has been a hotbed of drama, intrigue, and controversy. Over its many seasons, various moments have sparked public backlash, celebrity feuds, and even changes to the show’s format. While some incidents have faded into obscurity, others remain etched in the show’s legacy, shaping its narrative and cultural impact. Here, we explore twelve of the biggest controversies that have rocked the ballroom.

One of the earliest and most memorable controversies occurred in the first season when Kelly Monaco was controversially crowned the winner. Many viewers believed that Seinfeld star John O’Hurley deserved the accolades instead. In response to the outcry, ABC aired a rematch dance-off, which saw O’Hurley take home the Mirrorball Trophy. Monaco reflected on the experience, acknowledging that, although she received significant support, it left her questioning her win. “I don’t think I was the best dancer, but I was the most supported,” she remarked.

Tensions between contestants and judges have often surfaced, as was the case in Season 5 when pro dancer Tony Dovolani clashed with judge Carrie Ann Inaba over the issue of lifts in ballroom dancing. Dovolani expressed his frustration, claiming that Inaba lacked a comprehensive understanding of ballroom standards, creating an uncomfortable dynamic. In a bid to illustrate his point, he allegedly presented her with a rule book, which Inaba later dismissed as a fabrication, demonstrating the heated exchanges that can occur behind the scenes.

Another striking moment unfolded in Season 10, when Dovolani briefly quit dancing with his partner, reality star Kate Gosselin. During rehearsals, Gosselin expressed frustration with Dovolani’s teaching style, leading to a heated argument. Although he later returned to the partnership and continued in the competition, their tumultuous relationship underscored the pressures contestants face week after week. After being eliminated, Gosselin maintained a positive outlook, highlighting the overall experience despite the challenges.

In a notable incident during Season 13, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, a known figure for his passion, responded sharply to judge Len Goodman after a performance that Goodman deemed disappointing. The audience booed the judge, prompting Maks to suggest it might be “time to go.” The exchange showcased the tumultuous interactions that can erupt in the heat of competition, as well as the delicate balance between judges and dancers’ interpretations of success.

Moreover, allegations of physical intimidation surfaced when Hope Solo, who partnered with Chmerkovskiy in Season 13, claimed that he had slapped her during rehearsals. Maks vehemently denied her accusation, branding it as “completely false.” Such allegations highlight the intensiveness of training routines and the emotional stress dancers endure, leading to complexities in professional relationships on the show.

The nature of viewer voting has also stirred controversy, especially during Season 16 when Kellie Pickler won the competition despite receiving slightly lower scores than fan-favourite Zendaya. Issues with the voting system led to frustrations, as only specific methods were permitted, rendering ABC’s website votes invalid for that week. Reflecting on her loss, Zendaya noted the emotional toll of live competition, stating, “I felt that loss. I was only 16 years old, and it was highly stressful.”

In a twist of fate during Season 19, Julianne Hough took her place as a judge while her brother, Derek Hough, was still competing. This scenario led to speculation of bias, an issue that Julianne addressed by asserting her commitment to fairness. Her transparency highlighted the ethical dilemmas often faced by talent in the industry and the scrutiny placed on familial relationships in competitive environments.

The show has witnessed protests as well, notably during Season 23 when Ryan Lochte made his much-anticipated debut. Following his performance, protesters stormed the stage, voicing their anger over a previous incident where Lochte had fabricated a robbery story during the Rio Olympics. The event underscored the cultural climate surrounding the series and how external controversies can seep into the performance sphere.

In Season 27, radio personality Bobby Bones faced significant backlash after his unexpected win over audience favourite Milo Manheim. The departure of former host Tom Bergeron and his remarks on the results amplified the conversation around the balance between judges’ scores and audience votes, leaving Bones to reflect on the difficult nature of public perception. In an internet video, he expressed disappointment but chose to rise above the divisive sentiments surrounding his victory.

Finally, Season 35 introduced yet another layer of controversy when Val Chmerkovskiy made an inappropriate reference to Will Smith’s infamous Oscars slap during a live episode. His comments on TikTok led to a suspension, illustrating the increasing scrutiny on contestants as they navigate the pressures of reality television.

As “Dancing with the Stars” continues to evolve, it remains deeply entwined with moments that stray beyond the dance floor. These incidents reflect not only the challenges of competition but also the complexities of human relationships under the spotlight. Each controversy has carved a unique path in the show’s history, ensuring that its legacy remains dynamic and captivating for its audience.