Former “Dancing With the Stars” host Tom Bergeron has publicly apologized to season 27 champion Bobby Bones, following remarks he made about the radio host’s 2018 win.
Earlier this week, Bones shared a video on Instagram revealing that he had returned his Mirrorball trophy to ABC after hearing comments from Bergeron that he found “hurtful.” The 45-year-old said the remarks made during a recent interview where Bergeron called Bones’ win “surprising” and “took away the joy” from his time on the show.
“I try not to get my feelings hurt, especially about stuff like this, but this was hurtful,” Bones said in the video. “Not because of what was said, but who said it.”
Bergeron, who hosted DWTS from 2005 to 2020, reached out soon after to make things right, according to People. “Bobby, it wasn’t my intention to hurt your feelings,” Bergeron wrote in a message shared publicly. “My ‘ouch’ was based on my honest feeling that your win spoke to a need to address the balance between judge and viewer voting. I always felt bad that you and Sharna [Burgess] had to deal with the aftermath of that win and I certainly regret pouring any salt into that old wound.”
Fans Show Support for Bobby’s Graceful Response
Bones’ video quickly drew attention online, with fans flooding the comments to show their support and encouragement.
“Nobody works harder, you earned that W,” one user wrote. Another added, “If I was you, I would not have sent it back. You and @sharnaburgess worked incredibly hard and deserved it!”
Others praised the country radio host for his maturity in handling the situation. “Good for you!!! You’re being the ‘bigger person’ and speaking volumes with your actions rather than words,” one fan commented.
Bones thanked followers for their kindness and emphasized that he still looks back fondly on his time on the show. “I loved my time there,” he said, adding that his partnership with Sharna Burgess remains one of his proudest professional moments.
Reflecting on His Journey and Redemption
This isn’t the first time Bones has reflected candidly on his DWTS experience. As reported earlier this year, he revealed on “The Trading Secrets” podcast that he went above and beyond in rehearsals during season 27 — sometimes practicing extra hours alone after filming sessions. “I was so far behind everybody else,” he said, explaining that his determination helped him and Burgess clinch the Mirrorball trophy despite being considered the underdog.
Bones’ openness about his journey — from facing criticism to earning respect — has resonated with fans and fellow contestants alike. Bergeron’s heartfelt apology and Bones’ grace in accepting it marked a moment of mutual understanding that reminded viewers why the show’s legacy continues to center on perseverance, connection, and growth.
As Bergeron put it best in his message to Bones, “I certainly regret pouring any salt into that old wound.”
“Dancing With the Stars” airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
