From Front-Runner to Sixth Place: A Surprising DWTS Elimination
In a surprising turn on Tuesday night, Whitney Leavitt, known for her role on the reality series "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," was eliminated from Dancing With the Stars. This sent her home in sixth place, just one week shy of the coveted finals. Her departure dashed the predictions of many fans, including this journalist, who had foreseen a tight final showdown between Leavitt and wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin.
The Perfect Storm: A Talented Dancer with a Complicated Public Image
On paper, Whitney Leavitt seemed destined for the DWTS finale. She was paired with Mark Ballas, a three-time mirrorball champion and a fan-favourite professional. With a background in dance, Leavitt consistently earned high scores from the judges, often finding herself near the top of the leaderboard. Her natural charisma, evident from her popular TikToks, made her a formidable competitor. However, her journey was not without controversy, as her high scores sometimes sparked accusations of favouritism—a critique rarely levelled at the show's top male contestants.
The timing of her elimination raises questions. It occurred during the first live show after the full third season of her other program, "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" (SLOMW), was released. In that season, a significant storyline involves Leavitt's temporary departure from "MomTok," the core group of women on the show. Her co-stars reveal she wanted out, only for Leavitt to return partway through the season. In a revealing confessional, she admits her agent told her she could audition for a ballroom dance competition if she allowed the cameras to follow her again.
Reality TV's Gray Area: Ambition vs. Popularity
This calculated move placed Leavitt squarely in a reality TV gray area. While her actions created compelling drama for SLOMW, they also painted a picture of a woman strategically leveraging her platform. Unlike some cast members who share deeply personal struggles, Leavitt's narrative was more transactional. This aligns with the unique nature of SLOMW, a show that frequently breaks the fourth wall to discuss contracts and the business opportunities that come with influencer status.
The fallout from her strategic approach was felt among her co-stars. Jen Affleck, who also competed on DWTS this season, expressed hurt on the show, stating that after Leavitt got what she wanted, their communication ceased. "It felt like it was calculated," Affleck said. This sentiment divided fans online. Some, like a user on X (formerly Twitter), defended her, posting: "Whitney went home because people can’t stand an ambitious woman… everyone on a reality show is chasing fame she doesn’t deserve hate for that #DWTS."
Ultimately, Leavitt's elimination serves as a stark reminder of the core mechanic of Dancing With the Stars. As forums often reiterate, especially during underdog runs like Andy Richter's this season, the show is not solely about crowning the best dancer. It is a contest of votes and popularity. America may relish watching a complex, ambitious villain on a dramatic reality show, but it seems they are less willing to award her the mirrorball trophy. Leavitt herself seemed to anticipate the outcome, telling E! News after her elimination, "We had a gut feeling it was us."
