New York — Former Dancing With the Stars contestant Alexa PenaVega has reignited controversy surrounding the ABC competition series, suggesting the show’s outcome may be influenced by more than just viewer votes. Her comments, made during a recent podcast appearance, have prompted a direct response from current co-host Alfonso Ribeiro, who dismissed the allegations outright.
The drama dates back to season 21 of the hit ballroom competition, which aired in 2015 and featured PenaVega alongside internet personality Hayes Grier. During an episode of her LexLos podcast, PenaVega recounted a conversation with the then-15-year-old Grier, who reportedly expressed frustration about being eliminated despite believing he had more social media support than other contestants.
A Star’s Perspective on Voting Dynamics
“Hayes is only like 15 years old, he’s the sweetest kid,” PenaVega recalled during the podcast. “He’s back there with us. And I just remember all of us, like one night after being in the bottom and he’s just like, ‘Man, you know what? I think this show is rigged. I have more votes than anybody.'”
PenaVega went on to explain her understanding of how the voting system works, noting that social media fame doesn’t necessarily translate to actual votes. “I’m like, ‘You know, I know you have more votes than anybody here because of the millions and millions of followers. 100 percent, it’s so easy for them to send in a little text.'”
However, her comments extended beyond just explaining the discrepancy between social media following and actual voting participation. PenaVega elaborated on what she believes influences the show’s outcomes, stating, “This is what I always tell people, I think the votes matter, I do, but the show’s also produced. It even tells you a disclaimer, like the producers get to choose at the end of the day who wins. All of it goes into account.”
Ribeiro’s Direct Response
Alfonso Ribeiro, who currently serves as co-host alongside Julianne Hough for season 35, took to social media to address PenaVega’s claims. Sharing a clip of her podcast appearance, Ribeiro wrote: “No chance. We want everyone who’s popular to stay on. It’s basic logic.”
PenaVega quickly responded to Ribeiro’s comments on social media, clarifying that his post “picks up mid story” and that she was simply “telling a story about sweet Hayes.” She maintained that her perspective wasn’t meant as an attack on the show but rather as insight into how reality television production works.
Behind the Scenes of Reality TV Production
The former contestant’s comments touch on a long-standing debate in reality television about the balance between authentic competition and strategic storytelling. PenaVega emphasized that while viewer participation through voting is significant, other factors also play crucial roles in determining outcomes.
“The people like texting in and voting, that matters. The judges, what they say, that matters,” she explained. “But the producers know their demographic. They know the story they want to tell.”
These revelations come as Dancing With the Stars continues its current season 35 run, featuring high-profile contestants including Julia Stiles, Jackson Olson, Jenna Dewan, and Harry Shum Jr. The show recently experienced a surprising twist when all remaining couples were saved from elimination during Dedication Night, leaving ten couples still competing for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
The competition resumes Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with streaming available the following day on Hulu. Viewers will watch as the remaining contestants attempt to impress judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli in their quest for the title.
Why it Matters
This exchange highlights the ongoing tension between viewer expectations of fairness in reality competition shows and the behind-the-scenes realities of television production. As streaming platforms and social media continue to reshape entertainment consumption, audiences are increasingly questioning the authenticity of unscripted programming. The debate also underscores how celebrity status and social media influence can create misconceptions about merit-based competitions, potentially affecting both viewer engagement and contestant experiences. For a show that has dominated Sunday night television for over a decade, maintaining credibility while delivering compelling narratives remains a delicate balancing act that these public exchanges bring into sharp focus.
