Overview
- Despite two 29/30 routines and rave comments from judges, Leavitt and pro Mark Ballas were cut in the Nov. 18 semifinals when scores were combined with audience votes.
- Andy Richter called the result “absolutely insane” and said online drama around The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives shaped sentiment in the vote, while praising Leavitt as kind and supportive on set.
- Danielle Fishel said the week’s storytelling made Leavitt’s exit plausible after her aired confession about returning to film for a chance at DWTS, though she expected Leavitt to reach the finals.
- Secret Lives castmates posted messages of support, with Layla Taylor, Jessi Draper, Mayci Neeley, Miranda McWhorter, Mikayla Matthews, Demi Engemann and Taylor Frankie Paul applauding Leavitt’s season.
- Fans split between outrage over a popularity-driven outcome and critiques of Leavitt’s prior dance training at Brigham Young University, as finalists Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, Dylan Efron, Robert Irwin and Elaine Hendrix advance to the Nov. 25 finale.