Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas respond to DWTS backlash with show-stopping freestyle

Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas addressed their elimination from Dancing with the Stars Season 34 during an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast this week.

The pair, who had consistently earned strong scores from the judges, were sent home in the semi-finals after Leavitt, 32, received low fan votes. She also faced criticism over her previous dance experience, having earned a modern dance degree from Brigham Young University.

Leavitt said while her training helped, dancing with a partner in this format felt completely new to her. She also shared that she had largely stepped away from dance after having her three children.

Ballas, a long-time DWTS professional, noted that many contestants have had prior dance experience and pointed to winners such as Nicole Scherzinger and Jordan Fisher. He said the backlash surprised him and admitted some of the messages they received online were deeply personal and, at times, threatening.

Leavitt added that seeing Ballas targeted was what upset her most. When asked if she had a message for her critics, she joked, “Honestly? F—k you.”

To give fans something they missed in the finale, the podcast created a set for the pair to finally perform their freestyle routine to Frank Sinatra’s My Way. Leavitt began in a showgirl look before switching into a bedazzled long-sleeved leotard, ending the performance with the message: “Social media is bad for your health.”

The Mirrorball Trophy ultimately went to Robert Irwin and his partner Witney Carson, 10 years after Irwin’s sister Bindi won the title with Derek Hough.