Alfonso Ribeiro responds

Alfonso Ribeiro, DWTS host and season 19 winner, quickly addressed Alexa PenaVega's claim that the show is rigged.

Alexa PenaVega's podcast comment

Alexa PenaVega recalled Hayes Grier, a 15-year-old season 21 competitor, saying the show is rigged after landing in the bottom three.

Hayes Grier's quote

Hayes Grier told Alexa PenaVega, 'Man, you know what? I think this show is rigged. I have more votes than anybody.'

“Hayes is only like 15 years old, he's the sweetest kid”

Alexa's reasoning

Alexa PenaVega explained Hayes Grier had millions of followers, making it easy for him to text votes to win the show.

Alfonso's response

Alfonso Ribeiro stated, 'No chance,' we want everyone who’s popular to stay on the show, it’s basic logic.

“No chance”

Alexa clarifies

Alexa PenaVega admitted the TikTok clip was incomplete, urging viewers to watch the full episode for context.

“The clip picks up mid-story”

Alexa's voting explanation

Alexa PenaVega emphasized votes matter but producers also choose winners based on their demographic and story.

“The show's also produced”

DWTS producer response

DWTS producer Ryan O’Dowd confirmed the show never manipulates votes, stating it needs to be credible for viewers.

“The show really needs to be credible”

DWTS voting system

DWTS has a voting system where audience votes and judges' scores both influence who stays on the show.

Contestant pay

DWTS contestants earn $125,000 for rehearsal and first two weeks, with potential earnings up to $295,000.

Pro pay

Pros earn a base salary of around $110,000, with potential earnings up to $400,000 if they last through the season.

Pairing process

Pros get no say in celebrity pairings, with matches based on height, build, personality, and compatibility.

Rehearsal schedule

Pros and celebrities rehearse four hours daily, with no days off between show days and rehearsals.