- Dancing With the Stars co-host Alfonso Ribeiro has dismissed claims that the hit ABC reality competition is rigged, following comments made by former contestant Alexa PenaVega.
- Speaking on her LexLos podcast, PenaVega recalled a conversation from season 21 where fellow contestant Hayes Grier questioned the fairness of the voting system despite his massive online following.
- PenaVega suggested that while public votes and judges' scores genuinely matter, producers ultimately help shape the narrative and outcome based on their target demographic.
- Ribeiro, a former season 19 champion who now co-hosts alongside Julianne Hough, replied on social media stating there is no chance the show is fixed because keeping popular celebrities on air is basic logic.
- The competition is currently in its 35th season on ABC and Disney+, with ten couples remaining in pursuit of the Mirrorball Trophy after last week's Dedication Night ended without an elimination.
IN FULL
