William Levy Dishes About His Homeland And A Dream Come True In America (DWTS Rehearsal Interview)
When asked, William Levy tells Access Hollywood how he is honored to be on the cover of People Magazine this week. Cheryl thinks it’s a “good sign” being J.R. Martinez made a People cover last season and ended up winning Dancing With The Stars. William quickly points out how it’s nice, but, it’s more of a dream come true to come to America. He had a hard upbringing in Cuba, but, it’s made him who he is today as well. Details more in depth below….
There is more than good looks with this guy! Please Cheryl, …we want to see the real guy for what he is! No more sex pimping!
I agree with you, Vogue! Cheryl needs to stop the pimping. Is it just me, or did Cheryl almost *never* look at William as he spoke??? Man, it seems like those two really aren’t getting along at all…
Sally, I get an off feeling on her too. Not sure what it is? She seems a little arrogant?
You might be right with the arrogance thing…. it’s almost like she doesn’t really care about William’s back-story. Growing up poor in Cuba? Who cares? But something doesn’t seem right.
I hate to jump on the bandwagon, but I can’t help but agree that something is off with Cheryl this season. Could be Kardashian fever, but it could also be a case of “a woman scorned”. Sure seems like she wants more “rehearsal” time with William and he’s not interested.
Or maybe Cheryl had not forgotten the negative impact of their horrible Jive routine. “Woman scorned”, wooo, I think we are overreacting here. If you had read her OK blog, she really did not expect to return this week, she thought they would be gone. I have a feeling that she is not happy with talks about her falling for William. Also, we do not know what their session is like. In one interview William said that maybe Cheryl found him to be a ‘pain’ and she responded about how she wished he would be a little patient which he acknowledge in his twitter … Not to expect to know things instantly … she said she noticed William wanting to learn things quickly and she wanted him to allow things to sink in at a comfortable learning pace.
Thanks for the video, nice interview. Sally I think you’re right about Cheryl kind of looks like whatever, lets talk about something else…. Anyways as I mentioned before William is from my town so thru the yrs I followed his career so you will hear him talk about Cuba lots because its something he never forgets and I would say he’s a little traumitized because he constantly talks about food and eating, he will always bring up food. It’s pretty sad but its the reality of Cuba.
bebingc – You said “I have a feeling that she is not happy with talks about her falling for William.” OK, that’s fair, but I would respond with “then, stop treating him like a piece of meat and lifting his shirt (which obviously makes him uncomfortable) at every opportunity. At least to me, that kind of behavior is fueling the “falling for William” narrative. So, at least for me, Cheryl has the power to make it stop.
Newsflash for Cheryl…. William’s name can never be used again, in any way, shape, or form for any comparison whatsoever to JR…. Is she kidding?
This is what I like hearing about William. His story is the “American dream,” and he’s clearly proud of where he is now. He’s presenting himself so well. I just wish his partner would get a grip on her hormones and let him just be himself.
And I gotta agree with what’s already been said here. Seriously, what is up with Cheryl in the video? Looks like she about rolled her eyes a few times, wanted to at least. She looked bored and uncaring. So disappointing…
I think Cheryl and Kym need a break from DWTS. Both seem disconnected with their partners in interviews. I don’t think it has to do with their partners it just their tired of the cycle. So in their head their probably thinking we won’t even be around them anyway in month and a half. Time to let some new pros in. Look at Peta she is really enjoying her self she doesn’t seem bored or uninterested. To me DWTS is a show I love and hate. I love the beginning when you find out the cast mates and the pair ups. Then once the show starts it fizzles for me when it become a popularity contest and the bias begins with the producers and judges.
Let me weigh in here and share another perspective and tell you what I see when I watch this on full screen and consider what we know, because there is so much we really don’t know. We’ve seen reactions in a few clips and they’ve communicated and it’s obvious to me that everyone is aware he doesn’t want to use sex appeal as much as he wants to dance well, and everyone has bonded and become a family and the Pro guys have all befriended him and they have a lot of fun and he’s very well liked, and they were all genuine when they said they really didn’t want to see anyone go home last week.
As for Cheryl’s behavior in this interview, I’ll tell you what it looked like to me, because I know what has to happen, with cords run, lights set up, marks, cameras etc, which is a major disruption, when you’re in the middle of a rehearsal and you’re working on something that is vital to your partner sticking around for a while! I did see an antsy, foot tapping, slightly distant and perhaps agitated reaction from Cheryl, which I could understand if they were interrupted and they were working on something and focusing and the really needed to be practicing and learning a dance and these people were holding them up and keeping her from doing her job. Isn’t that a possibility?
@ Brit
With Kym, anyway, I think it has more to do with her partner this time. You can’t always “like” your partner. I think she’s trying very hard in interviews to be supportive and she’s smiling, so I’m not sure she’s ready for a break … just a different partner. I’m not sure what’s up with Cheryl. I think you’re right. It’s time for a break. As for Peta, I don’t think she really connected with Ron last year at all, but she really seems to like Donald and his enthusiasm for the show, so naturally, she is enjoying the season.
Sure, Joy, that’s a possibility – but it’s no different this season than it’s been every single season before. Also – these people don’t just show up, they make appointments and it’s scheduled. It’s not a surprise interruption. Cheryl has been on this show for 13 seasons – she knows the routine by now.
I did not see anything wrong w Cheryl’s behavior on the vid.
As much as a great performer Cheryl is, she’s not the greatest person showing her emotions off the dance floor. Big part of that was her trauma in her childhood. Some people has big misconceptions of her as a snob, uncaring, and arrogant when she’s the sweetest
she’s also transparent when she’s a bit tired and upset, but who wouldn’t? These people are working their asses off.
One interview and so quick to judge a person and what she like as a person?jmo
I realize they don’t just show up Heidi, and it’s a necessary evil and they’re all used to it and they have to put up with it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a disruption or annoyance. After many seasons I’d think that would be exactly why it’s tiresome having a microphone shoved in your face and a camera following your every move every time you turn around, especially when it’s imperative you do much better and you have two dances to prepare because of the bottom two dance offs. I’m sure they’re putting in a lot of hours, they’re tired and they’d prefer to be allowed to focus on their choreography, frame and presentation, without interruptions, because they’re also making public appearances, he’s doing photo shoots for magazines, taking meetings for job offers, interviews that don’t involve her, and he’s a father, so there’s a lot more going on than we’re aware of or taking into consideration that also factors in.
I am a fan of Cheryl and Derek. And just makes me sad to see how quick some of you judge Cheryl Like this. This girl was a victim of traumatic sexual abuse and abusive relationships, and the way you talk about her as if this person is sexually harrassing her partner is overboard.
Did it ever occur to you that she maybe just trying to do her job?
My apology, but this girl have been through so much abuse in her life to get this type of heartless judgements from some of you like this.
God Bless you, but pls let’s not go there!
Being able to do all that is part of the profession…and the mark of being a good professional. If it were a one time, that would be one thing…but it’s starting not to be.
We don’t take direction from you, beka.
Not your place to tell anyone how to think or act, Belski. And you using Cheryl’s sexual abuse as a child as an excuse for her to sexually exploit her partner now??? I find that sad & disturbing – if the tables were turned and it was William who was abused as a child and was making inappropriate advances on Cheryl, would you be so quick to excuse his behavior?
Besides, if her behavior now was really & truly a result of the abuse Cheryl suffered as a child, we would have seen it in previous seasons – and Cheryl only started acting out like this once this season started. If you don’t like the way we talk about Cheryl, no one is forcing you to sit here & read it…feel free to go elsewhere, where being sexually abused as a child is an automatic free pass for bad behavior as an adult.
The thing is, most people who write for this site ( I believe) and it seems most who post here regularly have always liked and respected Cheryl. Hell, I campaigned for her to win design a dance with Derek a few seasons ago. So it’s not like we’re a bunch of irrational haters. But the thing is…I’ve noticed a change in her. I noticed it last season when she acted like she couldn’t be bothered with Rob until she started to realize he might actually go farther than she originally thought. And, sorry, I just don’t like how she’s been with William. Her fans coming in here and acting like there is no basis for it, or we’re just haters is very annoying. Disagree all you like, but don’t start dictating how we should act, think and feel.
I wonder if she’s spending too much time with the Kardashians…they’re a very entitled bunch.
Making a rare pop-in to say that I totally agree with you, Heidi. There seems to have been a change in her and not for the better. It makes me sad.
How can I respond to you when you’re blocking me now just becoz I asked nicely to be a bit more sensible to some peoples personal issues.
I come on this site becoz I love Derek too.
I don’t use her sex abuse, but of all people Cheryl knows exactly what sexual exploitation is!
All I’m asking is touch about anything you like, but to accuse her of something related to what have caused her pain and traumas in her life is just plain heartless IMO.
As a fan, I’m not telling you what to do, but pls have a little heart and considerations to these type of accusations. It’s a very sensitive issue. We post your link at the Cheryl forum, and possibly Cheryl do come and check out this forum. And it’s very hurtful!
I voted for Derek too a lot!
I’m sorry I don’t mean trouble here. I respect you guys a lot, and I support this forum as well. But pls not like this.
Thank you and god bless !!
I’ve always liked Cheryl and was highly impressed with what she did with Rob last season – both with his dancing and making him come across as endearing and likable. But if you recall during the cast announcement, it was Cheryl who referred to William as “the hottest piece of a** the show’s ever had.” Pretty racy for a guy she’d never met before. Okay, he’s good-looking. Bully for him. And her. But to make that the ONLY basis for her routines and the way she talks to and interacts with him and presents him to the audience? Sorry, it’s disgusting, IMO. If it was some hot girl and it was Derek or Maks or Tristan treating a female partner like this, the fit would be hitting the shan indeed!
What is Cheryl suppose to say and do? William is a really hot guy! She was just stating something any of the girls would say someone so good looking. Even Derek ask her partner to imagine him as William. Cheryl just trying to make his women fans happy and doing her job!
Cheryl said it, she don’t mix business w pleasure. It was just all for the show and giving what the fans wants becoz they won’t shut up about it!
@Magnolia – “If it was some hot girl and it was Derek or Maks or Tristan treating a female partner like this, the fit would be hitting the shan indeed!”
Yup, I agree. Almost bordering on *sexual harassment* I would say. Cheryl’s behavior has been disgusting.
@Belski – “Cheryl said it, she don’t mix business w pleasure. It was just all for the show and giving what the fans wants becoz they won’t shut up about it!
Quite the contrary for some of us. Cheryl’s strategy may have had the reverse effect. And turned us off toward William to the point of no return now. I can’t wait until William and Cheryl are voted off.
Really Belski. Just because Cheryl has had some hardships in her life, doesn’t mean she doesn’t have her faults as anyone else. There is no excuse for anyone treating anyone as a piece of meat. Women have been screaming about it for years and she even corrected Rob K last season for doing it which we commended her for. Well, men shouldn’t be treated like meat either. Say whatever you want, but, she needs to step up her game now or she and William are going to find themselves leaving in the next couple of weeks. Also, don’t say we don’t have heart when we do…except this time we’re sticking up for William who is being treated like meat.
I hope Cheryl (or more likely her assistant) does scan the web to see how they are being perceived. Seems like a sensible thing to do. That way she can adjust her strategy, if need be, to present her celeb in the best light possible to keep him on the show. Of course there’s a segment of the audience and William’s fan base who want nothing but sex, sex, and more sex from him; but I think there are a lot of other viewers out there who would like to see what else he’s got to offer.
Cidra, I totally agree. I also think that there is probably a very large contingent of William’s fans who are sort of over the “hotness” factor and just appreciate him for who he is. I sometimes have the same frustration with Tristan fans who go on and on ad nauseum about how good-looking he is. Okay, we get it. He’s also a talented, humble and compassionate human being. Move on. I daresay William’s “true” fans appreciate him for more than just his looks.
Personally, I keep going back to that confessional where Cheryl tries to rip open his shirt again, and William actually flinches and moves away before covering himself again. Um, hello! How much clearer can the guy make it that he doesn’t like all that?
And as for what is Cheryl supposed to do? How about ACT LIKE A PROFESSIONAL!
+1!!!
+2 on what Cidra & Magnolia said. Belski, you asked “What is Cheryl supposed to say and do?” How about treating William with more respect? How about approaching him and actually, for once, not lifting his shirt to show the world his abs? And during a scheduled interview, how about being just a little (or pretending, for the cameras) interested in the man’s back-story of growing up dirt-poor in Cuba? That, IMO, would be a start.
Belski, I didn’t let ONE post go through because you got off topic and started talking about how people post. That’s how it works around here for EVERYONE. Keep it in mind next time.
Derek is irrelevant to this discussion.
Er, Belski, Cheryl is supposed to teach William to DANCE. As for fans not shutting up about it – that’s right, we can’t shut up about how much we HATE what she’s doing!!
As for Derek…sweetheart, if you can’t see when Derek is having some fun, you haven’t been a fan for long.
Maybe Cheryl is still thinking about her shoe…
Bwahahahahahahahahaha!
NICELY. DONE. RJ!!!!!!! That HAS to be it – Cheryl is still torqued about her freakin’ shoe! 
Love it…
LOLLLLLLL
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU VOGUE!!! —–>”There is more than good looks with this guy! Please Cheryl, …we want to see the real guy for what he is! No more sex pimping!”
@Belski
“Dancing with the stars” is a DANCING competition and Cheryl is a pro-DANCER!! Her job is to TEACH William (and whoever is her partner every season) how to dance and not telling the female audience all the time that her partner is very hot and sexy etc and trying to get votes by that or – like you said – to make them happy! Trust me…female audience have eyes on their own and can see if someone is hot and sexy! They don’t need anyone to tell them!
William is a really nice guy and all this thing that Cheryl is doing doesn’t allow people to see it! And if you look closely in the interviews of Cheryl and William from the begining, you will see how uncomfortable William is with Cheryl’s behavor! Just a couple of examples:
1) When she is always telling how hot he is, he is saying that he is here to dance and that they have to focus on dancing and
2) Everytime she tries to open/lift up his shirt, he tries to close it!! The ONLY time he didn’t do it was in the salsa DURING the dance…
Like women don’t like to be treated like a piece of meat so do men!! And yes…for me what Cheryl is doing IS a kind of “sexual abuse”. You don’t have to be violent to abuse someone! You can even do it with only ONE word! She really has to focus on dancing! Just my opinion and I have to tell you that it’s the first time I feel sorry for someone (William) because he was paired with a pro who treats him like this! And I would NEVER thought that one pro would be Cheryl….
And something last…as for Derek comparing himself to William, I will totally agree with Heidi. If you can’t understand when Derek is having fun and making a joke, then you are not a Derek’s fan enough. And please don’t take it the wrong way that Derek is making fun OF William…