US Dance Show Faces Bullying Claims as Star Shares Negative Experience

The American adaptation of the popular British dance competition, "Dancing with the Stars", is currently facing allegations of behind-the-scenes bullying. This development comes as Lea Thompson, known for her role in the "Back to the Future" trilogy, shared her challenging experiences from her participation in the show's 2014 season.

Thompson revealed on a podcast that her professional dance partner, Artem Chigvintsev, exhibited behavior that she found difficult to cope with during rehearsals. She described feeling "crazy" due to his intense approach and stated that she was not allowed to make suggestions without facing his anger.

"He was so intense. It was so much more important than to me, honestly. And so that made me really nervous. It made me crazy after a while."

The actress also mentioned that Chigvintsev would yell at her for counting steps aloud and made comments suggesting men were superior to women in strength. These revelations have raised concerns about the treatment of contestants on the show.

It's worth noting that Artem Chigvintsev, a Russian-American professional dancer, has a history with both the UK and US versions of the dance competition. He appeared on "Strictly Come Dancing" from 2010 to 2013 before joining the American show. Interestingly, "Dancing with the Stars" premiered on June 1, 2005, on ABC and has since become a cultural phenomenon, winning multiple Emmy Awards.

The situation has gained additional attention due to Chigvintsev's recent arrest, approximately one month ago, over an allegation of domestic violence. This incident, combined with Thompson's account and previous claims from other dance partners, has cast a shadow over the show's behind-the-scenes dynamics.

In response to these concerns, the BBC, which produces the original British version through its Los Angeles production arm, is preparing to publish a review into bullying claims on "Strictly Come Dancing". The broadcaster has also implemented extra duty-of-care measures for contestants in the upcoming series, set to begin on September 14, 2024.

Thompson's experience sheds light on the unique challenges faced by female contestants on the show. She described the struggle to balance various expectations while dealing with physical exhaustion and the fear of injury. This insight provides a glimpse into the demanding nature of the competition, which has been running in the UK since 2004 and has spawned over 60 international versions.

Fern Britton, another former partner of Chigvintsev from his time on "Strictly Come Dancing", has also shared similar experiences. Her account further underscores the concerns raised about the professional dancer's conduct during rehearsals.

In response to these allegations, Chigvintsev has previously stated that he believes he treated his partners with respect and care, asserting that the claims contradict his personal beliefs and character.

As the dance competition continues to captivate audiences worldwide, these revelations highlight the importance of ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all participants in such high-pressure entertainment formats.