Dancing with the Stars host Alfonso Ribeiro has defended the ABC series against apparent claims from former contestant Alexa PenaVega that the competition is “rigged”, insisting it is “basic logic” for the show to keep popular stars in the running.
Alfonso Ribeiro has shot to Dancing with the Stars’ defence after Alexa PenaVega appeared to claim the show is “rigged”.
The 55-year-old actor and comedian, who hosts the show, took to the comments to defend the ABC series, after the 38-year-old actress – who competed on DWTS season 21 alongside her husband Carlos PenaVega, 37 – seemingly aired her views about the programme in a clip from the couple’s LexLos podcast.
In response to the TikTok clip, Alfonso Ribeiro wrote: “No chance. We want everyone who’s popular to stay on. It’s basic logic.”
However, a post from Alexa and Carlos’ joint TikTok replied: “The clip picks up mid story [laughing emoji] and then goes back to the top. Watch the whole clip and episode. I’m telling a story about sweet Hayes.”
On the podcast, Alexa reveals fellow Dancing with the Stars contestant Hayes Grier – who was just 15 years old when he competed on the 2015 series – had his own doubts about the contest.
She claims he once said backstage: “Man, you know what, I think this show is rigged.
“I have more votes than anybody.”
Alexa admitted she “knew” he must’ve had more votes than anybody – due to his “millions and millions” of social media followers.
She added: “100 per cent. It’s so easy for them to send in a little text.
“So, I don’t … again, this is what I always tell people … I think the votes matter, I do.
“But the show is also produced.”
She insisted the producers consider the show’s audience and the storylines they want to tell.
Speaking about season 21 winner Bindi Irwin, she said: “Bindi’s story, it’s top-notch.
“How do you beat that?”
Alexa believes she would’ve enjoyed Dancing with the Stars more if her “very jealous” husband hadn’t taken part in the same year.
She said: “I would have had so much more fun on the show if it were not for Carlos.
“Carlos was really competitive.”
He added: “Maybe just a little jealous.”
She said: “Very jealous, and he was doing the show with me. It wasn’t like he didn’t understand.”
Carlos – who married Alexa in 2014 – explained: “We were freshly married. I couldn’t imagine sending her off every day to dance and do rumba with these guys.”
Alexa – who was partnered up with pro dancer Mark Ballas – was eliminated seventh from the series in November 2015, while Carlos, who had Witney Carson as a partner, remained on the show for a couple more weeks.
The pair were eliminated eighth, a week after Tamar Braxton withdrew.
Bindi went on to win the series alongside her pro partner Derek Hough, defeating Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter and DWTS pro Sharna Burgess to the Mirrorball Trophy.
Alfonso Ribeiro defends Dancing with the Stars after Alexa PenaVega’s ‘rigged’ claim
