Britt Stewart’s emotional “Dancing With the Stars” exit is drawing a different kind of reaction after a farewell moment left some viewers accusing her of poor sportsmanship. As Stewart said goodbye to the cast following her elimination with Taylor Hanson, Guillermo Rodriguez appeared to approach her to offer comfort. She then appeared to turn away, prompting criticism from viewers who interpreted the exchange as a snub.
Britt Stewart’s Goodbye Sparks Criticism
The farewell unfolded after Stewart and Hanson were sent home during the Tuesday, September 29, episode, themed Yacht Rock Night. In the video drawing criticism, Rodriguez appears to move toward Stewart while the cast gathers around the eliminated pair. Her apparent turn away has become the focus of the comments, with several viewers saying they felt sorry for him.
“Omg that made me sad,” one commenter wrote. Another said the exchange motivated them to support Rodriguez in the competition. “Well, now I’m gonna start watching the damn show and vote for Guillermo!!!!”
Viewers Question The Pro’s Sportsmanship
@jaliyahaddisyn6 #tiktokfantasymoviecontest It was so off-putting how Guillermo tried to comfort Britt, but she didn’t respond at all!!! #dwts #realitytv #brittstewart #guillermorodriguez ♬ original sound – jaliyahaddisyn6
Several commenters argued that Stewart’s disappointment should not affect how she treats another contestant. “She is a professional and should know how to handle sportsmanship! Guillermo may not be a great dancer but guess what everyone loves him! And has been prior to DWTS,” one wrote. Another added, “Shame on her as a professional!!”
For those viewers, the issue was the apparent rejection of a comforting gesture after the results had already been announced. “That was very unprofessional for her to behave that way. He didn’t deserve that,” another commenter wrote.
One longer response acknowledged Stewart’s talent while criticizing what the viewer believed happened. “Agreed. Although you can be disappointed at not winning because she is a good dancer, the show is about entertainment, and if you get eliminated to keep that pro-status, you have to be professional,” one fan said. “And her not letting him hug him was not professional.”
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Guillermo Survived The Same Elimination
Rodriguez and his professional partner, Witney Carson, were also among the couples in danger before Stewart and Hanson’s names were announced. Stewart and Hanson earned an 18 out of 30 for their foxtrot to “What a Fool Believes.”
Rodriguez and Carson received a 15 out of 30 for their foxtrot to “Escape (The Piña Colada Song),” but remained in the competition. Jackson Olson and Emma Slater were also in danger before surviving the elimination.
Britt’s Tearful Exit Had Already Drawn Support
The criticism arrives after Stewart’s elimination prompted sympathy from fans and fellow “DWTS” personalities. Earlier in the farewell, she said, “Oh my God” when their names were announced and repeatedly told Hanson, “I’m really sorry.”
Hanson praised their partnership during his final interview with co-host Julianne Hough. “This has been everything,” he said. “This has been incredible. She’s shown me things I didn’t think were possible, and I’m so grateful for this time. Amazing.”
Stewart became tearful as she thanked him. “Taylor, I am so grateful that I have you in my life. Thank you so much for everything. Thank you.”
Carrie Ann Inaba Had Already Voiced Support For Britt Stewart
Before the apparent snub sparked criticism, Carrie Ann Inaba had expressed her disappointment over Stewart and Taylor Hanson’s elimination. The “DWTS” judge commented on a TikTok compilation showing Stewart’s departures throughout her time on the series, writing, “This hurt. Britt is so talented.”
Stewart’s fellow pros are also feeling the loss of her partnership with Hanson. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly after Tuesday’s live show, Jan Ravnik said everything is “going to be f-cked from now on” with the pair gone and more eliminations ahead. “I love Britt so much. I think she is one of the best dancers that I ever worked with.”
Sharna Burgess Rallies Behind Britt Stewart
Sharna Burgess, meanwhile, hopes Stewart gets a chance to reach next season’s finale. Stewart became the first Black woman to join “DWTS” as a professional dancer in season 29 in 2020. She has yet to reach the finale, with her highest finish coming in season 31, when she placed fifth alongside her future husband, “CODA” actor Daniel Durant. “Knowing Britt and loving Britt, I just wanna see her do a freestyle,” Burgess told EW.
Fellow pro Ezra Sosa also expressed his frustration with the elimination, commenting, “I’m so pissed,” on a TikTok video of the result.
Whether the apparent snub was intentional remains unresolved. For now, the clip is prompting some viewers to rally behind Rodriguez as he continues his run in the ballroom.
The Britt Stewart’s ‘DWTS’ Exit Just Got Way Messier After That Guillermo Snub first appeared on The Blast