Marc Regen, Editor

The latest season of Dancing With the Stars has sparked intense fan reactions, particularly surrounding the recent elimination of Hilaria Baldwin. Her departure from the competition has divided viewers, with some celebrating the news and others rallying in her defense, accusing online critics of bullying.

Baldwin, who was partnered with veteran professional dancer Gleb Savchenko, addressed her exit in a video interview with E! News, expressing disappointment and alleging that a group of “mean girls” on social media orchestrated a campaign to vote her off. 

“It wasn’t just about dancing,” Baldwin said. “It felt personal.” 

Her comments ignited a wave of responses, with some fans sympathizing and others doubling down on their criticism.

On TikTok, one user stated that Baldwin’s elimination was “good news,” while others accused her of lacking gratitude, echoing reports that Savchenko felt “humiliated” by her behavior. Still, many viewers defended Baldwin, arguing that the show is meant to showcase growth in non-dancers. 

“She had no prior experience and was improving,” one fan wrote. “That’s what the show is supposed to be about.”

The controversy has highlighted a broader conversation about the tone of fan discourse online. Some users have called for more compassion, criticizing what they see as toxic behavior in fan communities. “It’s a dance show, not a battleground,” one Reddit user posted.

Meanwhile, the show’s recent “Disney Night” episode also drew mixed reactions. While traditionally a fan-favorite theme, some criticized this year’s installment for feeling overly commercial. A Yahoo headline described the episode as resembling an “infomercial,” with extended promotional segments and branded content overshadowing the dancing.

Despite the criticism, several performances stood out. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson’s cha-cha routine earned widespread praise, with fans calling it “mirrorball-worthy.” Their energetic routine to the Disney classic “Try Everything” from Zootopia was hailed as one of the night’s best, showcasing Irwin’s charisma and Carson’s choreography.

Another highlight came from Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold’s performance of “Bop to the Top” from High School Musical. Actress Ashley Tisdale, who starred and danced to the song in the original film, reacted positively to the routine, noting how closely the pair replicated the original choreography. 

“They nailed it,” she said in a social media post.

As the season progresses, fans have described it as “chaotic,” citing unpredictable eliminations, casting controversies and shifting dynamics among the judges. The mix of celebrity drama and standout performances has kept viewers engaged, even as debates rage over fairness and tone. Whether cheering for their favorites or critiquing the format, fans continue to make their voices heard. With several weeks remaining, Dancing With the Stars Season 34 promises more glitter, drama and passionate discussion.