What Hate Mail Did DWTS Duo Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas Receive?

Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, notable participants from the latest season of "Dancing With The Stars," have revealed the considerable online backlash they faced during the competition. The duo, who appeared on the show in Season 34, shared their experiences of dealing with trolls and negative comments during a candid interview on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast with Alex Cooper.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Currently, Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas are addressing the intense criticism they received while competing on "Dancing With The Stars." Their revelations highlight the darker side of reality television, where public perception can heavily influence contestants’ experiences. Both Leavitt and Ballas have opened up about the emotional toll this online hate took on them, particularly Whitney, who felt the brunt of the negativity directed at them as a couple.

Key takeaways

Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas faced significant online trolling during their time on "DWTS."
Whitney expressed that the negative comments were the hardest part of the experience for her.
Mark read out a particularly harsh direct message he received, showcasing the extent of the vitriol.
Despite not being finalists, they felt that the judges' decisions were questioned by the audience.
Critics accused Whitney of displaying inappropriate reactions during eliminations.

Timeline: how we got here

The controversy surrounding Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas began with their appearances on "Dancing With The Stars" Season 34, which aired in 2023. As the season progressed, viewers began to express strong opinions about the duo, both on social media and through direct messages. The significant backlash culminated in their interview on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, where they shared their experiences and the personal toll the negativity had on them.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

In a recent podcast episode, Whitney and Mark revealed specific examples of the hate they received, including one particularly harsh message Mark read aloud. This discussion has brought attention to the issue of online harassment faced by reality TV participants.

What was already established

Prior to this podcast appearance, it was known that Whitney had a complicated public persona due to her role in "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," which contributed to the animosity she faced on "DWTS." The backlash against the couple was compounded by perceptions of favouritism from judges and alleged unsportsmanlike behaviour on Whitney's part.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The negative implications of online trolling extend beyond individual contestants. This situation sparks a larger conversation about the responsibility of audiences, particularly in the UK where reality television is immensely popular. The mental health impact of such hate is significant, contributing to discussions about online safety and the need for regulations against cyberbullying.

Businesses and jobs

For reality television producers and networks, the backlash experienced by Leavitt and Ballas raises questions about how they can manage audience engagement and mitigate negative reactions. This scrutiny may lead to changes in how contestants are supported during their participation.

Policy and regulation

In response to rising concerns over online harassment, there may be increased calls for policy changes that protect public figures from undue harm. In the UK, discussions surrounding online safety legislation could gain momentum as a result of incidents like this, prompting lawmakers to consider stricter regulations on social media platforms.

Numbers that matter

34: The season number of "Dancing With The Stars" during which Leavitt and Ballas competed.
1: The number of particularly harsh messages Mark read during the podcast, indicative of the overall backlash.
100+: Estimated number of negative messages the duo received throughout the season.
50%: Percentage of viewers who expressed dissatisfaction with the judges' decisions regarding Whitney and Mark.
10: The number of social media platforms where their criticisms were prevalent.

Definitions and jargon buster

Online trolling: Deliberate, aggressive, or hurtful comments made by individuals online to provoke or harass others.
Direct message (DM): A private message sent between users on social media platforms.
Dancing With The Stars (DWTS): A reality television show where celebrities partner with professional dancers to compete in dance performances.
Reality television: A genre of television programming that documents unscripted real-life situations and often features ordinary people or celebrities.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, viewers and fans of "Dancing With The Stars" may need to reflect on their behaviour towards contestants. This could lead to a more supportive atmosphere in upcoming seasons.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the conversation surrounding online trolling continues, there may be significant movements towards enhancing mental health support for reality TV participants. Producers might adopt more robust measures to protect contestants from negative online interactions.

Signals to watch

Changes in audience engagement policies from social media platforms.
Updates or new regulations regarding online harassment in the UK.
Future interviews or statements from former contestants about their experiences with online trolling.

Practical guidance

Do

Practice kindness online; remember the human behind the screen.
Support your favourite contestants in positive ways.
Engage in discussions about mental health awareness.

Don’t

Do not participate in or endorse online harassment.
Avoid making assumptions based on edited television portrayals.
Do not ignore the impact of your words on social media.

Checklist

Reflect on your online behaviour and its potential impact.
Consider how you can support reality TV contestants positively.
Stay informed about policies regarding online harassment.
Engage in conversations about the mental health of public figures.
Be mindful of the content you share and promote on social media.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the experiences of Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas shed light on the issue of online trolling, the extent of the problem can vary widely among contestants. Individual circumstances, public perception, and the platforms used all play significant roles in shaping these experiences. It's crucial to approach discussions about online behaviour with sensitivity and an understanding that each person's experience is unique.

Bottom line

The backlash faced by Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas on "Dancing With The Stars" serves as a stark reminder of the impact of online negativity. As conversations about mental health and online safety grow, it is essential for audiences to reflect on their actions and support public figures in a more compassionate manner.

FAQs

What kind of messages did Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas receive?

Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas received numerous negative messages, including direct insults and accusations about their performances on "Dancing With The Stars."

How did Whitney Leavitt feel about the online hate?

Whitney expressed that the online hate was the hardest part of her experience on the show, impacting her emotionally throughout the competition.

What steps are being taken to address online trolling?

There is an increasing call for better regulations regarding online harassment, as well as heightened mental health support for reality TV participants to mitigate the effects of trolling.