Controversy continues to swirl around Whitney Leavitt, a contestant on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), as she navigates the intense fandom dynamics fueled by the show’s semi-finals and finals. While the competitive atmosphere typically revolves around the dancing performances, Leavitt has drawn significant attention for her past controversies, which have made her a focal point for trolling on social media.
One of the most notable controversies occurred in 2021 when Whitney shared a TikTok video in a hospital room, dancing next to her sick newborn, Liam, who was struggling with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumonia. The video, which featured her performing a dance set to Kendrick Lamar’s “Love,” sparked significant backlash due to the juxtaposition of the troubling news about her son’s health alongside the upbeat choreography. Although she later deleted the video and shared another clip where she was visibly upset about the negative reception, the incident continues to haunt her online.
In addition to the TikTok drama, Whitney and her husband, Conner, have faced rumors regarding their marriage, including speculation about cheating and the concept of a “lavender marriage”—a term denoting a marriage between a queer man and a heterosexual woman for societal acceptance. In response to these rumors, Whitney took to TikTok to dance with Conner, emphasizing their bond with the caption that aimed to debunk the lavender marriage narrative. She has also expressed her frustration with other women in her community who have scrutinized their relationship for online views, stating that their life together is genuine and full of fun.
Furthermore, Leavitt’s experience and talent in dance have ignited debates among DWTS fans. With a background as a competitive dancer and a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts focused on dance, Leavitt is viewed by some as overqualified for the competition. Critics argue that her proficiency gives her an unfair edge over other contestants who are not trained dancers, thus detracting from the show’s premise of featuring celebrities learning to dance for the first time.
Despite the controversies and backlash, Whitney Leavitt’s performance on DWTS has been well-received, indicating her ability to thrive in challenging circumstances. The intense scrutiny she faces may serve as a test of resilience, showcasing her determination to succeed in both her personal and professional life. As she continues on her journey in the competition, fans are left to weigh their opinions about talent versus experience in reality television.