“Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Whitney Leavitt received some backlash online following the premiere of season 3, but her loyal fans are still rooting for her ahead of the “Dancing With The Stars” season 34 semi-finals.
Whitney Admits ‘DWTS’ Motivated Her MomTok Return
When Whitney finally made her appearance on “Mormon Wives” in season 3, she had “no shame” in admitting that “DWTS” was her main reason for returning.
“I just found out if I came back to film, I can audition for ‘Dancing with the Stars,'” Whitney said in a sit-down with friends outside of the “Mormon Wives” cast.
In a confessional, she gets candid with a producer. “After last season, I did decide to step away from the show, but I never quit MomTok. I was always in MomTok, still a part of that group. I just really needed a break, but then I heard from my team ‘Dancing with the Stars’ was going to cast someone from ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,’ and that’s a motivator. I’ll come back for that.”
Despite Whitney being interested in having a friendship with the MomTok group, she didn’t feel welcome. “I’m not going to be like ‘will you please be my friend?'” she explained to a friend.
“Of course, I miss the sisterhood,” she continued during a confessional, noting how hard she worked during the previous seasons to get it back. “But that’s the thing about relationships, is it takes two to have one.”
Whitney believes she was met with “hostility” during her return.
“This is exactly why I didn’t want to come back, but there’s this amazing opportunity, ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ and it’s something that I want. So I’m going to go after it, and there’s no shame,” she concluded during a confessional.
Fans Rally Around Whitney Before ‘Prince Night’
Whitney posted a reel to Instagram on November 17 ahead of Prince Night that featured her and pro Mark Ballas. “Hyping ourselves up for the semi-finals on DWTS,” she wrote over the video of the pair dancing with Tyla’s “CHANEL” playing.
“Can’t express enough how grateful I am to be here,” Whitney wrote in the heartfelt caption of her post. “The friendships and experiences I’ve had on this show have meant the absolute world to me and will cherish forever. Can’t wait for you guys to see our cha cha and waltz tomorrow!”
Unfortunately, some people in the comments tried to bring Whitney down:
“You are a great dancer but I will not be voting for you tomorrow. I cannot based on the way I have see you behave on The Secret Lives of Mormons Moms. I wish you the best.”
“I feel like Mormon housewives release has sabotaged your character and vote ;( i was TEAM WHITNEY all the way!! I know it has altered my view of you. Sad … but true.”
“Now, having watched the new episodes of MOMtalk and knowing that you use the group just to be able to get on Dancing with the Stars I don’t feel like voting for you anymore”
Luckily, most of Whitney’s fans from “Mormon Wives” and “DWTS” alike were there to lift her spirits. A few people even responded directly to the above comments in her defense.
“Don’t forget that reality TV isn’t real,” someone pointed out.
“She’s too smart abd ambitious to want to leave toxic friendships behind and take all opportunities to provide for her family?! Ok,” another fan replied, including a crying laughing emoji.
Another one added, “curious if you watched till the end of the new season. She will win your heart again.”
“Everyone saying they won’t vote for her going after her dreams is just dumb. She went after what she wanted and we all should!” Someone wrote, asking those in the comment section who would possibility turn down such an opportunity. “I wouldn’t! You wouldn’! You all need to grow up! You go Whitney!!!”
“I’m so proud of you both!!! Continue to show the haters just how that amazing you two are!”
“I truly don’t know why everyone is freaking out about your behavior on the new season. I don’t see anything wrong?? You’re doing great sweete.”
“I hope you guys win it all! Love you on DWTS and SLOMW! You’ve always been my favorite!”
For Prince Night on November 18, Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas will perform a cha-cha to “1999” and a Viennese waltz to “Slow Love.”
