After making headlines on Dancing With the Stars, Whitney Leavitt appeared on the podcast Call Her Daddy and shared that she expected her much-criticized “villain” image from her reality-TV origins to follow her into the ballroom. She discussed the emotional toll of online backlash — especially watching it hit her dance partner, her feelings of guilt and protection, and the surprising lessons she’s taking away. She also revealed she’s landed her first film role and shared the unseen freestyle dance she and partner Mark Ballas choreographed but never performed on TV.
Whitney Leavitt’s Reality-TV Past Followed Her to the Dance Floor
Whitney Leavitt, known for her role in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, entered Dancing With the Stars aware of the “villain” label that had long dogged her. In a candid episode of Call Her Daddy, she admitted she expected that image to come along for the ride. She said she’d “used to the hate,” but standing up for herself and dealing with new scrutiny — especially online — proved more challenging than she imagined.
Even before the DWTS competition began, many viewers judged her for her reality-show history. Once the ballroom lights came on and the cameras rolled, some critics doubled down — scrutinizing not just her dancing, but who she was outside the routines.
The Backlash Hit — and It Was Not Just Against Her
When the Hate Became Real
Though Whitney felt somewhat insulated from negativity due to her prior public exposure, what shocked her was how harsh it became for others — particularly her dance partner, Mark Ballas. She shared that many of the hateful messages were directed at him, and watching someone she cared about be targeted was a pain she didn’t expect.
One message was especially brutal: “You’re completely worthless and I hope you burn in hell one day,” Mark revealed — a message Whitney said still haunts her. She spoke about feeling guilty: as though she carried the burden of that hate because of her past. That guilt turned into a mix of anger, sorrow, and protectiveness.
Seeing the Damage Beyond the Dance Floor
Whitney admitted the emotional toll went deeper than just hurt feelings. She described how tough it was to watch Mark process attacks and remarks that questioned not his dancing ability, but his character — simply because he was paired with her. She never imagined the cost of her “villain persona” would ripple beyond her.
What She Revealed on Call Her Daddy
The Unseen Freestyle — Finally Shared
On the podcast, Whitney and Mark revealed the freestyle routine they’d prepared for the finale — a piece that never made it to screen because of their elimination. According to Whitney, that routine captured a part of their journey: resilience, determination, and a raw honesty about the backlash they faced. Sharing it now felt like a closure and a way to reclaim their story.
A Surprise Career Move — Her First Movie Role
Amid the vulnerability and reflection, Whitney offered some hopeful news: she’s officially been cast in her first film. For her, stepping onto that set represents a fresh start — a chance to shift focus from reality-TV drama to acting, and to define herself on her own terms.
Did the “Villain Persona” Cost Her DWTS Victory?
Talent vs. Public Perception
Whitney and Mark consistently earned high marks from judges — even scoring perfect 10s for a standout quickstep. Yet despite their technical prowess, they were eliminated just one week before the finale. The contrast between judges’ praise and public voting surprised many.
Some believe the elimination was less about dancing and more about audience perception. Her reality-TV background, combined with the timing of her former show’s new season release, may have influenced votes. Whitney herself acknowledged that many viewers saw her as ambitious in a way they disliked — and that ambition, unfairly, may have cost her the win.
An Emotional Goodbye That Felt Like a Breakup
Following her exit, Whitney posted an emotional video saying the abrupt end felt like “a breakup.” The daily routines, close bonds, backstage laughter, and rehearsal grind — all vanished overnight. She described the aftermath as a painful withdrawal, and admitted she never expected the emotional fallout to hit so hard.
What Whitney Says She Learned — And What’s Next
Despite the pain, backlash, and unexpected goodbye, Whitney says she’s holding onto the good parts: the friendships, the growth, and the clarity about who she wants to become. The DWTS experience taught her that public opinion can be cruel — but also reaffirmed for her what she values in collaboration, trust, and authenticity.
Now, she’s turning the page — focusing on her upcoming film, exploring new creative paths, and hoping to build something that’s genuinely hers. She also hinted at wanting to speak out about the toxicity of online hate, especially when it targets innocent people caught in the crossfire.
Also Read : Cristin Milioti Turns Heads in Danielle Frankel Gown at the 2025 Emmys
FAQs
Why did Whitney Leavitt think her “villain image” would follow her to DWTS?
Because she spent years on reality TV under a polarizing persona. She expected audiences would carry over their judgments from that world into the ballroom.
Was the backlash only against Whitney?
No — many of the hateful comments targeted her dance partner, Mark Ballas, which deeply affected her.
Did Whitney and Mark get to perform their final freestyle on TV?
No. They never made the finale, so the routine was never aired. They later shared it via podcast.
Did Whitney say she came on DWTS to win?
Not necessarily. She admitted she “never thought” she would win — she joined for the experience.
What’s Whitney doing now?
She’s set to appear in her first film, and seems focused on moving beyond reality-TV narratives into a more personal creative journey.
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