Overview
- On Tuesday, October 6, Jackson Olson posted a public apology to Guillermo Rodriguez on Instagram and shared a joint video showing the two men saying they are friends after an in‑person conversation.
- The dispute began when Olson left a now‑deleted comment on a Loco Beach Coconuts post that compared a recreated routine to Rodriguez’s performance and drew widespread fan backlash.
- Both Olson and Rodriguez performed on Mariah Carey Night and were safe from elimination, with Olson and partner Emma Slater receiving a combined judges’ score of 21 out of 30.
- Multiple outlets report, citing anonymous insiders, that pro dancers privately scolded Olson while producers did not reprimand him and reportedly welcome viewer chatter; those backstage claims remain unconfirmed by the show.
- Fan anger over the comment prompted some viewers to say they would withhold votes, a dynamic that highlights how social‑media disputes can have real influence on a competition that blends judges’ scores with audience voting.