Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas Cancel DWTS Giveaway Amid Backlash
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Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas are learning that there’s no shortcut to winning the Mirrorball Trophy on Dancing With the Stars. The fan-favorite duo from DWTS Season 34 recently faced backlash after announcing a giveaway that some viewers claimed was an attempt to “buy votes.”
The pair, who impressed judges last week with their Wicked-themed quickstep earning three perfect 10s, decided to show appreciation to fans by offering tickets to a DWTS live show. They reportedly shared a TikTok asking followers to engage with the post for a chance to win.
However, the video was soon deleted—apparently at the request of ABC and BBC, who oversee the show. Whitney later addressed the situation in a follow-up TikTok, explaining that the giveaway had to be canceled due to network rules.
“We actually can’t do a giveaway for the Dancing With the Stars live show,” Whitney said. “It really sucks because Mark and I just wanted to do something special for everyone who has supported us so much. But we’ll find another way to thank you guys—we’re gonna get creative.”
Mark remained mostly silent in the clip but confirmed that the decision came directly from the networks.
While neither ABC nor BBC officially commented, fans speculated that the issue violated DWTS competition rules, which prohibit offering prizes in exchange for engagement or votes.
Social media quickly split into two camps. Some fans criticized the duo, suggesting the giveaway resembled vote-buying tactics.
“Trying to find a loophole for bribing is wild,” one user commented.
“That’s rigging the whole thing—‘vote for us and I’ll give you a gift,’” wrote another.
Others defended Whitney and Mark, arguing that the giveaway was misunderstood and not tied to voting at all.
“They just wanted to do something kind! Whitney’s an influencer—giveaways are normal,” one fan wrote. “People are overreacting.”
Despite the controversy, both Whitney and Mark remain among the season’s strongest contenders, promising fans they’ll continue to bring creativity—both on and off the dance floor.
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