Julia Stiles Tears Up Over Low Scores and Rib Injury During 'Dancing With the Stars' Rehearsals
The actress shared her emotional struggles and physical pain during a pre-recorded segment.
Julia Stiles experienced a difficult week during "Dancing With the Stars" rehearsals, breaking down in tears due to low scores and a rib injury. In a pre-recorded package that aired Tuesday, Stiles expressed her disappointment after receiving a total score of 16 out of 30 for her Tango to "The Door" by Teddy Swims during "Viral Hits Night." The judges awarded the performance two 5s and a 6.
"I’m actually just really disappointed in myself," Stiles told her professional partner, Ezra Sosa. "That was not my best dance." She added, "It’s all fun and games until you get a 5. And I respect those judges a lot, so I take what they say seriously. So, yeah, here I am — in tears on TV. Sorry!"
Stiles contrasted the experience with her acting career, noting the vulnerability of performing live. "I’m an actress. I’m used to having a script. The director and the editor protect you, and your performance is done before people see it. But this is just me. Very vulnerable," she explained.
Sosa offered encouragement, telling Stiles he was "so proud" of her for being open and vowed to "keep pushing through it together."
Later in rehearsal, Stiles reported pain in her rib while practicing a Salsa to "I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)" by Hall & Oates for "Yacht Rock Night." "My rib really hurts and we kind of popped it," she said. "This is a really tough week to hurt your rib, because there’s lifts and tricks." Despite the pain, Stiles expressed determination, stating, "But I also know I’m a tough cookie, and I’m not going to let it stop me."
Following their performance on "Yacht Rock Night," Stiles and Sosa received positive feedback. Judges Bruno Tonioli noted they "didn’t make any errors," Carrie Ann Inaba praised Stiles for "permission to let go," and Derek Hough declared, "Julia is back, baby." The duo earned a score of 19 out of 30, with two 6s and a 7 from the judges.
Stiles mentioned to co-host Julianne Hough that she was "feeling good" after the dance and credited Sosa for helping her overcome a difficult period. The actress also addressed speculation on social media, including theories about tension between them or that she had quit the show. Stiles and Sosa explained that their focus was entirely on their performance in the competition that week. "Dancing With the Stars" airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes streaming on Hulu the following day.