DWTS Star Whitney Leavitt Reportedly ‘Furious’ After Julianne Hough Brings Up ‘Petty’ Mormon Wives Drama on Live TV
Dancing with the Stars contestant Whitney Leavitt was reportedly left upset and blindsided during Tuesday night’s semifinals after host Julianne Hough unexpectedly confronted her about past controversy from the Hulu reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
According to a new report from The U.S. Sun, Leavitt believed the moment was unnecessary and “petty,” particularly given the high emotion and pressure surrounding the competition’s final rounds.
The tense exchange occurred after Leavitt and professional partner Mark Ballas delivered their semifinal routine — a lively Cha-Cha to Prince’s hit “1999” — during the show’s themed Prince Night.
The pair received positive feedback and strong scores from the judges, keeping them in contention for a spot in the finale.
However, the tone shifted dramatically minutes later, when they joined Hough for a post-performance interview on the upper balcony.
Before delivering scores, Hough addressed Leavitt directly, telling viewers she felt the need to acknowledge the controversy surrounding the 32-year-old Utah influencer.
“Let’s just talk about the elephant in the room,” Hough said. “You said on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives that the only reason you wanted to do that show is so you could do this show. Why do you want to be here so much?”
Leavitt appeared visibly surprised by the question but attempted to respond respectfully and without escalating tension.
She explained that after completing two seasons of the Hulu reality series, she hoped to take a break from filming but changed her mind when the possibility of joining Dancing with the Stars became available.
“Once I found out that this would be an opportunity for all the girls to go after this, I wanted to take that chance,” Leavitt said onscreen. “I will forever be so grateful because this has changed my life, and I’m having the time of my life and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Whitney Leavitt Believed the Callout Was Unfair
Off-camera, a show insider claimed Leavitt was angered by the exchange and felt it was an inappropriate move during a live broadcast.
“She didn’t appreciate Julianne calling her out on live TV, that was so awkward,” the insider said. “Julianne didn’t need to bring up the Mormon Wives comments, so she thought that was a petty move.”
The source added that despite the uncomfortable moment, Leavitt did her best to remain composed, confident that her talent and performance record made her deserving of a place in the finale.
Despite strong performances throughout the season, Leavitt and Ballas were eliminated from the competition later that night — just one week before the finale.
Many viewers expressed shock on social media, as the pair had consistently ranked among the top-scoring couples.
Speaking with E! News after filming wrapped, Leavitt shared that although she was disappointed, she had mentally prepared for the possibility of leaving the competition.
“It’s sad, it does feel like a breakup… you build long-lasting friendships here,” she said. “But I’m leaving with a grateful heart to have been able to experience it.”
The contestant reflected on her journey, saying she felt proud of her growth and effort throughout the season.
“I wanted to give it my all every single dance. There are some things out of your control, but I’m going to leave knowing I gave it everything I had.”
DWTS Finale to Air November 25
The three-hour finale of Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesday, November 25 on ABC, when the remaining finalists will compete for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.