The tension stems from a year-old interview where Andy Cohen questioned Stiles’ talent, prompting the actress to use her prime-time platform to silence the critic. Partnered with Ezra Sosa, Stiles delivered a routine to Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” that earned a score of 18 out of 30. Judge Derek Hough validated the performance, telling the actress, “Andy Cohen, you can eat it,” while praising her grace and confidence on the floor.
Stiles has faced persistent online scrutiny regarding her dance background, specifically queries about whether her role in the 2001 film Save the Last Dance provided an unfair advantage. The actress clarified that she had no professional training before the movie and has not danced since, noting that stunt doubles handled the complex sequences in the film. Even the Juilliard School—the institution her character famously auditioned for—publicly supported her on social media, clarifying that while she never attended, they are cheering for her success.
Despite the controversy surrounding “ringers” in the competition, judge Bruno Tonioli insisted that prior film experience does not equate to ballroom proficiency. He emphasized that every contestant starts from scratch, noting that while public expectations for stars like Stiles are higher, the judging panel remains committed to holding them to the same rigorous standards as the rest of the cast.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first!