Summary (tl;dr)

Reality TV star Whitney Leavitt and her professional partner Mark Ballas were unexpectedly eliminated from "Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS) Season 34 during the semifinals on November 18, 2025, just shy of the finale, sparking significant online discussion.

Essential Background

Whitney Leavitt rose to prominence as a reality TV star on "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" and as a "MomTok" influencer. Her journey on "Dancing with the Stars" Season 34, which premiered on September 16, 2025, marked the show's 20th anniversary and saw her partnered with veteran pro Mark Ballas. The show involves celebrity contestants paired with professional dancers competing weekly, with eliminations based on a combination of judges' scores and viewer votes.

The Full Story

Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas were eliminated from "Dancing with the Stars" Season 34 during the semifinal round on November 18, 2025, following "Prince Night" performances. This elimination came as a surprise to many viewers and commentators, as Leavitt and Ballas had been considered one of the season's strongest couples and consistent high-scorers, making it to the semifinals, just one week before the grand finale. Their departure stirred controversy, with some fans criticizing judge Carrie Ann Inaba for a score deduction they believed was unfair and contributed to their exit. Throughout her time on DWTS, Leavitt also faced various controversies, including accusations of favoritism from judges due to her prior dance background, a public relations mishap involving a ticket giveaway, and past social media backlash for a TikTok video. She also openly admitted that her return to "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" was motivated by the opportunity to audition for DWTS, a revelation that was addressed on the show.

Why It Matters

The elimination of a perceived frontrunner like Whitney Leavitt has intensified fan engagement and debate around "Dancing with the Stars" Season 34, especially concerning judging fairness and voting outcomes as the show approaches its highly anticipated finale. Leavitt's public journey, including her past controversies and her stated ambition to transition into acting beyond reality TV, adds a layer of personal stakes that resonates with her existing fanbase and new viewers alike. Her unexpected exit highlights the unpredictable nature of live reality competition and keeps audiences speculating about who will ultimately win the Mirrorball Trophy.

Geographic Location

• Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (Filming and broadcast of "Dancing with the Stars" Season 34)