As "Dancing With The Stars" gears up for its 35th season, a 'fix row' has reportedly emerged among contestants, with accusations of favoritism and unfair advantages plaguing the celebrity lineup.
Maura Higgins, a 35-year-old reality television personality, has become a focal point of the controversy. Paired with professional dancer Mark Ballas, son of Shirley Ballas, Higgins' casting and partnership have allegedly sparked discontent among her co-stars. Reports suggest Higgins actively sought a partnership with Ballas, even expressing a preference against another professional dancer, Gleb Savchenko. Sources claim Higgins has been "rubbing everyone up the wrong way" and is being perceived as receiving preferential treatment, including being seen with judge Bruno Tonioli.
Sources indicated that Higgins' proximity to judge Bruno Tonioli and perceived influence over her pairing are contributing to the sentiment that she is being "set up to win." Amidst the drama, Higgins is reportedly set to earn a six-figure sum for her participation, with her pay increasing based on how long she remains in the competition.
Casting Concerns Extend Beyond Higgins
The controversy surrounding Higgins is not an isolated incident. Other contestants have also faced scrutiny over their backgrounds and perceived advantages. Jenna Dewan, a former professional dancer who toured with major artists and starred in the film "Step Up," has been accused of having an "unfair" edge. Despite Dewan stating she does not know how to ballroom dance and that her training is in a "different language" from ballroom, sources within the show believe her professional dance background gives her a significant advantage.
Whispers of unfair casting extend to other contestants as well. Julia Stiles, known for "Save the Last Dance," and Harry Shum Jr., who had a dancing background from "Glee," are also part of a cast that includes Tyler Cameron, a contestant from a previous season of "The Real Dirty Dancing." The casting has led to internal discussions about the fairness of having contestants with extensive dance experience competing against those without.
Further adding to the behind-the-scenes tension, Tatyana Ali's participation has reportedly caused some friction due to her close relationship with co-host Alfonso Ribeiro, with whom she co-starred on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Additionally, certain celebrities are noted as potential "fan favorites" even before the competition begins, such as Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins, leading to some "eyerolling" among other cast members.
Despite the reported drama, Higgins appeared unfazed during rehearsals, greeting fans and signing autographs. The season's casting choices, however, have introduced a layer of controversy before the first dance has even been performed.