Pure Dancing With The Stars 2011 – When Judges Have To Humiliate
I can’t sit back and let this go without letting off some steam. Maybe you need to do so as well?
I just can’t get over how mean the judges were to Ralph again last night. All Season they’ve been real bears to him as we’ve all commented. But, last night cut the cake with Bruno. To say Karina “was being to rough with her p***y” and then to furthermore say to Ralph, “You definitely went for a bad ass salsa. Are you wearing extra large diapers?” What the ???
If there was ever a time I wish they could penalize the judges, now is the time. What’s sad is these celebrities don’t take on this show to get humiliated and neither do the pros. Last year, Bruno did the same thing to Michael Bolton and several times. When is enough “enough” already?
I think it’s time Bruno was disciplined. Yes, feel free to have an opinion and critique a dance for how you see fit. But, please do NOT humiliate!! Have some class and be constructive about it!!
After last night, I wouldn’t be surprised if they ever get a celebrity to sign up again for this show.
You really have to give it to Ralph and Karina though. They didn’t argue and they took the abuse. All Karina said was “Wow wow” and tried to shield Ralph from what Bruno was saying.
If Ralph is picked to leave tonight, it’s going to be hard to watch him leave like this. He doesn’t deserve it!
(Heidi’s Note: No one deserves that kind of treatment, regardless of how well they danced. Obscene. And it takes a lot for me to see obscenity..)
It was totally distasteful and reprehensible. I thought Bruno went over the line with Michael Bolton last season in a big way, and he topped himself last night. I am the last person anyone would accuse of being a prude, but man, that was waaaaay too much. And as for the total lack of respect that all the judges have had towards Ralph this season, it’s inexplicable! Are they all jealous and insecure of his youthful looks or what? I’ve always gotten a kick out of Bruno, but this season, he’s totally out of control. And not in a good way.
I dunno, maybe the judges are feeling they’re at the bottom of the show popularity totem pole after the celebs, the pros and Tom and they’re scrabbling for more attention. Whatever it is, I wish they’d stop.
I totally agree. It is extremely hard to offend me, but the judges have been unusually cruel to Ralph this whole season and last night took the cake. The only reason I would ever watch this show again is if Derek comes back and seriously, I hope he does not. I do not want to see anyone treated like Ralph has been treated this season ever again.
I could not agree more. Although I am 100% for Kirstie, this was totally uncallled for! I hope that Ralph’s fans can pull him up, but not at Kirstie’s expense. My big ole dream is for an upset and send Chelsea or Hines packing. I know that won’t happen but I’d love to see ABC’s plan of keeping Chelsea in it backfire and send her packing.
I have loved watching the show, but I don’t plan to watch tonight’s results. The judges clearly have rigged it against Ralph, and last night’s treatment of him was like watching 3 people kick a nice dog. It has turned my stomach, and I won’t watch anymore. Carrie Ann’s face last week when Romeo was eliminated said it all, and then they rigged this 15-point dance to get rid of him finally. It was painful to watch them try to excuse themselves to Chelsea and Kirstie by emphasizing that both of them were so good it was hard to choose. You could see that they wanted to say, “We didn’t want to hurt either of YOU. We just needed to get HIM out.” Too too painful.
Ralph has been my guy all the way. What may be more irritating to me than how they rag on Ralph is how they fawn over Hines. Neither one of those performances last night deserved a perfect 30, particulalry the salsa. If Ralph goes (which I’m sure he will thanks to the judges), my votes will go to Chelsea.
I’m a Kirstie fan all the way, but Bruno was WAY out of line last night. Sure, that salsa wasn’t the greatest, but I’m sure Ralph and Karina both knew that before the judges decided to rag on them. It’s ridiculous how they can pick on certain contestants and yet practically throw themselves at some of the others. I do think Ralph will go tonight (his heart doesn’t seem to be in it anymore, and I think we can partially blame the judges for that), but it would be nice to see him do the “impossible” and beat one of the “favorites” (meaning Chelsea or Hines).
I’m a Ralph fan, and I couldn’t be more upset. They judges were rude, crude, and socially unacceptable. I’d like to see some new judging blood – like, maybe change the judges every couple of seasons?
And here’s another thought, especially to you Ralph fans. Just my opinion, but TPTB don’t really give a roaring rat’s patootie about who WINS – they’re all about who’s WATCHING (and voting) for the final. So, you want to stick it to ’em? DON’T VOTE ANYMORE. Don’t give them the advertising clicks. Or the phone usage. And if you can stand it, don’t watch. If the finale took a ratings dive, now THAT would send a message.
I’m sorry, but Ralph IS NOT a good dancer. He needs to go. If you take a look at his dances and not pay attention at Karina, only concentrating on him, you can see that he does not dance. He looks like a box dancing. Same with Hines. He can’t dance. Take away the pretty girl with the great body and the crazy moves and all you have is a box dancing. If you don’t believe me, look at their videos again and again concentrating only on the guy. Now, why would Ralph agree to butt pads?? That’s only a joke waiting to happen. He looked goofy! These pads were supposed to hide how bad he cannot dance or shake his hips. But it did the opposite. Stop with the sympathy votes and let the real dancing take place. Chelsie and Kirstie!
Yes, if you do just watch Hines, he really is not that good. In fact, he’s pretty stiff. No way did those two dances deserve perfect scores. I like Hines as a person and he seems sweet, but……that doesn’t mean he should win.
Honestly, none of these people are all that great. Jennifer Grey would have blown them all away if she had been on there this season.
I cannot stand Bruno at all anymore. As if his stupid overacting after every single dance wasn’t bad enough, now he has to try to humiliate people?
And I’m sorry, Amanda and Jo, but you have completely missed the point of this post because of your defending of Chelsea and Kirstie and your (warranted) fear of what will happen thanks to the judges. So because someone is not the best dancer, those rude as hell comments were warranted?? THAT is the point of this post.
Funnily enough, I warned Vogue when I told her I was going to post this to be ready, that some fans would completely miss the point and react to something that wasn’t even the focus of the post. She’s gonna start thinking I’m psychic or some damn thing. 🙂
Vogue, Thanks for posting this. You very eloquently captured how I’m feeling.
As others have said about Bruno, I’m pretty hard to offend with the sexual double-entendre he likes to throw around, but he really lost all sense of appropriateness Monday night. He was revolting. It’s definitely time to discipline Bruno.
It always boggles my mind why the judges need a “whipping boy” every season and pick one hapless, unsuspecting celeb to fill that role. Their continual harpooning of the chosen victim mean-spirited, incredibly offensive, and unpleasant to see. Lately there’s been very little constructive criticism from The Trio and a lot of fawning or bashing (depending on who’s standing in front of them).
Usually, I don’t subscribe to the “throw the bums out” solution; but I’m beginning to wonder if a change might be in order. I hold the judges completely accountable for whatever comments they make. However, for the scoring, how much is it the judges and how much is it the producers telling them who needs to stay in and saying “make it happen”?
I don’t watch Strictly Come Dancing, so does anyone know if Len and Bruno are the same way on that show?
I am a Ralph and Kirstie fan and I was splitting my votes all season. Last night after the judges were so awful towards Ralph I felt had to give almost all my votes to Ralph. I think the judges are jealous of Ralph’s youthful looks and his almost perfect family. If Ralph goes home I will continue to vote for Kirstie but I don’t think I will watch next season, the judges are getting WAY out of hand. I agree 100% with the top post.
Thanks for the post, you nailed it. I really, really hope that the producers and/or judges will pick up on the viewers’ frustration at the way the show is being run.
@mmc – I don’t watch Strictly either, but I think I’ve heard that Len and Bruno are a bit more reserved over there. I think I heard that from someone here, actually. Not sure though.
Bruno was completely rude and inappropriate towards Ralph and Karina! He should be disciplined, infact I think we the viewers should call to complain. On top of that karina was a lady and Ralph a complete gentleman! When is enough, enough!
I was pissed at bruno last night! I”m sorry but what happened to “if you can’t think of something nice to say then lie or just don’t say anything.” He could have said it was a very sexual salsa and was different and that would have been true and still tastfull. but to say what he did say was wrong. I’m just glad that Karina and Ralph didn’t fight and took it, and that Karina tried to sheild Ralph from hearing it. I think it’s time the judges get a lovely time out and wake up call maybe make them need votes to stay on too and if they don’t get enough votes they are replaced the following year. HELL why we are at it why don’t we just get ACTUAL ballroom and latin dance judges since the show only does ballroom/latin? I have some choice words for bruno and the other judges that are too rude to say so I’ll just say this, “faccia il vostro lavoro e faccia esso giusto scompigliare rinunciato con i voti e ci saranno più lotte del ventilatore circa quanto insensibile e maleducato e medio siete. e nonlo inciti a scendere là con un cucchiaio di legno!” Sorry the Sicilian in me is getting angrier with the judges as the weeks go on.
Thanks for all of your thoughts. I’m so with you all except Amanda!! Amanda, just because Ralph may or may not be a good dancer or not, doesn’t give a judge (or anyone for that matter) permission to humiliate or be rude. Bruno could have just given his opinion on him in a polite and constructive way.
Yep Heidi, you were right. How do you keep doing that? I swear you are psychic! lol
Bruno better think before he’s speaks. That was way out of line – topping his comments made to Michael Bolton. Kudos to Karina and Ralph for being composed.
Sorry to say but it’s Ralph’s time to go. His dances weren’t up to par like the others. He’s a great ballroom dancer.
When I watch this clip, I just get more and more mad about the ——– ( insert prefered word here 🙂 ) that is named Bruno. This Salsa was as good as Hines and Kym. Im calling it. The Judges are Disgusting.
Vogue, You’re right and Ralph is a great dancer! Am I watching a diffrent dance from most other people, he had rythem, it was HOT, He had good footwork, if I can remember right Hines’ Salsa wasn’t exactly ” gentle ” Nor were Chelsea and Mark ” That was Salsa right? 😛 ” I appreciate Carrie Ann’s comments but the paddleing is still the problem.
I do wonder what the TPTB would have done had Bruno made that comment to say, Chelsea, instead of Karina?
Bruno can certainly be quite amusing with his comments but he also does jump way over the line of being funny….and certainly did so last night.
I do think that Ralph has been picked on this season. Fortunately….he was a better dancer than Michael Bolton and they didn’t have him crawling out of a dog house. But the comments have been cruel and not warranted.
Ralph has been a class act throughout the entire season. He has taken it seriously and tried to conform to whatever comments the judges have given him. The problem is when the comments are no longer constructive. No one should be allowed to bad-mouth anyone on the show. It is a show for entertainment and to be enjoyed. When someone is being thrown under the bus, it ceases to be something worth watching. Everyone of the contestants has tried hard. It doesn’t matter who you are rooting for, no one deserves to be humiliated like that by the judges. No one. Apologies need to be made to Ralph and Karina. The part that will be hard to swallow is if Ralph is eliminated tonight, the judges better not be falling all over themselves telling him how great it was to have him on the show. This should have been said earlier. Without the contestants, the judges would not have a job. Perhaps they need to think of that before they speak.
No, Heidi, I did not miss the point. I’ve made other comments on here that I am just as ticked off about the comments made to Ralph. I’ve also stated that it would be great if he stayed just to slap the judges in the face. So, nope, not missing the point. Jeesh.
No, Heidi, I did not miss the point. I happened to comment in the wrong thread because the site kept freezing. I completely understand what is being said in this post and agree that the comments made by the judges were wrong. Just because I want Kirstie to win does not in any way, shape, or form mean that I think the comments made towards Ralph and Karina were justified. Jeesh.
@mmc – as a UK viewer, I can confirm that Len and Bruno are different over here rather than on DWTS. Believe it or not, Len has the reputation for being the ‘kind’ judge who is generally on the higher end of the scoring range (though he still doesn’t like alternative choreography!) Bruno is still loud and exaggerated in his comments, but never so rude. In the UK, neither would get away with some of the comments they do here. Len has become increasingly crude over this last season and I think Bruno has become so in love with himself (judging by some of his segments on talk shows posted here) that he now thinks he is the star.
Having said that, this is slightly reminiscent of the most recent series of Strictly where they seemed to pick on one contestant and consistently underscore and overcriticise him. Notwithstanding, it was never accompanied by this language – which is simply not acceptable and I would like the TPTB to react with more than a bleep.
I think they are more than partly responsible – it seems to me that Kym’s mantra of ‘we can’t just do stuff we’ve done before’ sums up this whole season so it seems likely the judges have been told to up their game. Do they value all publicity over the programme’s reputation?
The judges need to realize that the contestants and the pros take what they say seriously. Most of the time, the dancers realize whether they have danced well or not. Being insulting just makes everyone miserable and serves no real purpose. Please think before you speak judges.
I’m so upset, disgusted, angry, etc at the judges’ behavior. That was totally uncalled for, and downright rude!!! My heart broke for Raplh and Karina. How dare the judges treat them like that?!! I’m just livid!!! I SO hope Ralph is safe tonight. Not only because he is by far my favorite, but I would love for the judges to see that the fans love Ralph and won’t let the judges get away with trying to push out Ralph. Poor Ralph and Karina!
Thanks for posting and I hope it gets picked up and sent round the wide world of the internet. So many things went wrong with last night, but Bruno’s statement and the treatment of Ralph was on top of the steaming pile.
Do you remember when the judges actually used to judge and provide constructive criticism to help the celebs get better? Now they seem to just go for the soundbite (although every once and a while CAI does throw something technical in).
But they are getting what they want – people are talking about the show. I agree with someone’s comment (sorry, can’t remember who in the 27 I read) that they don’t care who wins, they care who gives them the most buzz, the highest ratings, and the biggest clickthrough on their website. Remember that post that was done last week about how it’s not just about ratings, its the total package – the top three were AI, Glee and DWTS? That’s what it is all about to them, not the fans that vote.
I was horrified at Bruno’s comments. No-one deserves to be talked to like that in a competition. Hell, no-one deserves to be humiliated like that, period. Len has had his moments this season as well. All the comments about the girls’ breasts were neither funny nor necessary. I think Bruno should be MADE to apologize to everyone, not given the chance to do so as he was with Michael Bolton. Maybe TPTB think the offensive comments make good TV, but it is ultimately a bad reflection on them.
I wish the viewers could vote off the judges!
@Laurie – Great post!! And I would also add, ‘Sit Down Bruno’. Strap him to his seat please!
Thanks for the insight on the UK show @Lisa W. Now I wonder why they get away with their comments here. Not sure what that says about American TV, but it can’t be good.
I like so many have not much interest in watching the circus tonight.
From the first Bruno has been nothing but over acting his responses to the dancers. He like he is trying to get noticed with his over reaction and the way he gets up in his chair. Wingle and squirming around with all the hand gesturers.
No he was wrong in the way he attacked Ralph.
I still hope Ralph Kristie and most of all
CHELSEA AND MARK ARE SENT HOME. I AM SICK OF BOTH OF THEM.
THANKS ALL FOR YOUR RESPNSE, LEN he has shown a different side and Carrie Ann just simply makes me angry with her respnses. I think DWTS has become a joke along with the other Variety Shows, The Batchlor and Idiol are so phoney
Bruno is the you know what that is why he said it. Hines SUCKSSSSSS and Cariie keeps him up there. Now the other judges. They know Hines Suckssss they why they try and help him.
Janice, could you cool it on the language?
I was thinking about this all day, still pissed. If they were in school, Bruno would be kicked out for bullying.
Since this is supposed to be a family show, I am totally stunned as to how much Bruno gets away with in his comments. Everything is a sexual innuendo with him. Yes, he does make me laugh quite a bit, but he’s getting old to me now. This is the first season I’ve watched all the way through, so I am not familiar with his antics. Has he always been this way?
Interesting that Michael Bolton came back last week, sang with Delta Goodrem and did a great job. Last season’s debacle didn’t scare him away and I was happy to see that.
Kurt Warner was the whipping boy last season. Has he been back to visit? Chad Ochocinco had the honors the season before that. I don’t think he has been around either.
In any other workplace, the mention of a woman’s private part while critiquing her work would spark an investigation by HR and you can bet that person would be fired or, at least, severely disciplined.
Poor Karina. Is this what pros sign up for when they ink their contracts?
ABC needs to step up and get Bruno under control or they can send him home instead of Ralph.
Maryt, so true. It IS “bullying”.
Jo, yeah, he’s always been dramatic and over the top, but the last few years, it’s been in a mean spirited way at times. I’ve liked him as a judge for the most part and still do. But, this humiliation needs to stop.
Henrietta, I agree how the insulting amd negativity only makes everyone miserable.
Katrinka: “Without the contestants, the judges would not have a job. Perhaps they need to think of that before they speak.”
+1!!!!
Loves all of your thoughts everyone. I hope the producers hear us on this and the Bonus dance.
Lizzbeth, you are right. Bruno would get sued in the workplace for making such statements.
Zach: “Vogue, You’re right and Ralph is a great dancer! Am I watching a diffrent dance from most other people, he had rythem, it was HOT, He had good footwork, if I can remember right Hines’ Salsa wasn’t exactly ” gentle ” Nor were Chelsea and Mark ” That was Salsa right? ” I appreciate Carrie Ann’s comments but the paddleing is still the problem.”
Yep, so true Zach! They were all over him for being too “wild”. Well geez, isn’t a Salsa suppose to be wild and fun? I guess not. Karina is not stupid and this wasn’t her first rodeo. She wouldn’t have went with that routine if she didn’t think it was appropriate imo.
Well, the show is about to begin. I am dreaming of a miracle mile Mark and Chelsea elimination and that Ralph and the rest of them will endure.
I hated when you’re right with the bad news Heidi! 🙁
Sorry Meggie. I hate it too.
Jo, no he hasn’t always been like this. He’s gotten worse in the last two seasons – it’s almost like he is desperate for attention. All of them kind of act like they don’t like that the pros and celebs (and TOM) get all the attention they do.
Lizzbeth – at the end of the day, Michael Bolton is a smart artist. He knows that showing up on DWTS sells records. And good for him. They trashed him, he has every right to use them as much as he can. Quid pro quo.
Yes the judges need to be put back in check, not only was Bruno out of line with comments to Ralph and Karina last night, he comment to Kendra on her Sumba was, way out of line too. I have always liked this show, I watch more faithfully this season, and am appalled at the way the judges are now. They used to be nice. It is a shame that the team voted off, shows more class than the judges. They all need to be replaced.
I’d like to come to Bruno’s defense, at least a little bit.
Don’t know what he meant with the diaper line, which was just weird and I agree over the line.
But with the p— comment, maybe it was (an admittedly bad) joke that went wrong. He might not realize that Americans never associate that word with cats anymore so that his double-entendre was in the end single-entendre.
And their dance and especially their outfits were,in my eyes, more sleazy than sexy, so the commentary matched.
I’m going to be unpopular BUT I am kinda with Lenka on this one.
I don’t think Bruno meant to be derogatory, so much as witty, playing on the feline theme of the tiger outfit and the sensuality of the dance. However, it backfired – remember, he’s Italian and not a native English speaker – maybe it’s really about being ‘Lost in translation’?
But here’s the ‘elephant in the room’. NOT excusing Bruno, he was WAY out of line, but how much has Karina’s PB spread sort of opened her up to these type of comments? If one wants to be treated as a lady, gotta act like one.
Just my opinion.
I would love to agree with you, Claudia, but first off, I really think he knows better. He’s no dummy and he’s been around in America long enough to know. AND, if he truly just got “lost in translation”, then he should have apologized right quick – and I don’t think he did.
And so many of them have done Playboy spreads, I really think that’s a non-issue.
Claudia: “but how much has Karina’s PB spread sort of opened her up to these type of comments? If one wants to be treated as a lady, gotta act like one.”
So now that Karina has done Playboy, she’s not a “lady”? I have to totally disagree. If that is why Bruno made those comments, I have no respect for him. What room would he have to talk anyway. I have a feeling he hasn’t exactly led a perfect life…and who has? There are no excuses for what he said. What she did for Playboy and what she does on the dancefloor should be kept seperate. I’ve seen the photos of her Playboy shoot and they were very tastefully done and not really any different than what we see in any magazine, on album covers, and in a lot of other fashion spreads out there these days.
Evaine, I agree. Playboy should be a non-issue. But, I know there are a lot of people out there stuck in a box on it which is sad.
Well, she did start the dance by crawling in on all fours, in that Frederick’s of Hollywood catsuit…
Bruno dishes it out to the men too–when Maks danced shirtless in leather pants, Bruno asked him who arranges appointments for him, and said he could afford him.
For a family show I do think that DWTS often has double standards … so many of the the stars, judges, performers and now pros have dabbled in risque situations.
I only meant that people and men in particular are less likely to respect appropriate boundaries as women move from chaste towards sexualised behaviours.
I definitely DO believe though, that those boundaries should ALWAYS be respected.
I don’t really care if Karina wants to do PB; it’s her life and her choices. I personally don’t think it’s a classy thing to do, and definitely that you shouldn’t do PB if you want to be considered ‘a lady’.
We all agree that Bruno’s remark was inappropriate to say the least and perhaps even reprehensible.
After what happened to Ralph, I kind of wish it was Romeo who was in the semi-final. I would guess the judges would comment something along the line “most improved dancer, you should be proud of yourself” bla.. bla.. and scored him dead last just below Kirstie, because there is no way he’s gettin more votes than her and their favorite 3 stays for the finals. I think I can take under scoring better than insults like this. It really effects the energy of the show. 🙁
I agree with what everyone has said about the judges being unfairly harsh and out of line. I was watching with a friend and I said “Watch Hines’ hip action. They’ll comment on it.” And they raved about it. Then with Ralph I said the same thing…and they put him down. Watch the two dances and focus on the hip action of the two men. Hines was much stiffer than Ralph. Ralph had better hip movement yet Carrie Ann complained. I accurately predicted each dance scores (including the 10s) BEFORE they danced! I knew how the judges were going to vote based on their prejudices. Sad. The judges favorites were the most blatant this year! Incidentally, the ratings were DOWN for DWTS this week. We aren’t the only people complaining about the Winner-Take-All dance. It was a way to get OUT the person the judges wanted out. Sad to say, I think I’ve lost one of my favorite shows… I haven’t missed a season since it started. But next year…I don’t think so.
There is a way to not be in the finals and leave on a positive note but that didn’t happen here. The contempt and disrespect on display from the wonder trio was disgusting. Ralph and Karina didn’t deserve that verbal assault from the judges. There was no constructive criticism on the dance itself. I noticed that during the elimination show there was no exchange between Ralph and the judges. None of the usual praises from the judges to an eliminated contestant. Even the applause from the judges was lukewarm. I liked his speech at end and how he managed to thank everyone except the judges.
I’ve watched all the seasons of DWTS (!) and I’ve never felt more ashamed of the program than when Bruno was so rude and obnoxious to Ralph and Karina.
Looking at early clips of their season, it is striking how the judges changed their tone from really positive in the early episodes to coldly negative later on. Were they talking about the same person? I think R & K deserved an apology, either on or off camera. It was a really awkward episode to watch that betrayed the fun element that drew me to the program in the first place, and left me disillusioned. I don’t really care if it is fixed or not, but humiliating people in front of their family and millions of viewers is wrong. It was like bullying was being endorsed and they were somehow making me a party to it. Added to the radical gap in the scoring and the predictable Winner Take All dance, it was unbearable. I adored Ralph’s leaving speech that ignored the judges and supported Karina as being a person worthy of respect. I don’t think I could watch another season either. It was fun watching them dance, and he was definitely talented.