Lochte DWTS Backlash

It seems like every season we get some angry fans of DWTS sending us messages on our contact us page about the inclusion of some star for whom they think shouldn’t be on the show. They think that this fan site is somehow the official DWTS website even though we clearly state on the contact us page that this is a fan site and that we have no relationship with the show, but I digress.

While I always find these people’s anger interesting, it’s usually not surprising. In the past, it was most heated when some political figure would be on the show. They’re desire for DWTS to “not be political” was never very surprising. The amazing part is that people’s response always followed a similar pattern:

1. I hate this star.
2. You shouldn’t have them on DWTS.
3. If you do have them, I’m not going to watch.

To date, DWTS has never changed their mind on a star and from most accounts it hasn’t really hurt ratings. In fact, in some cases it might have even helped ratings to have the controversial person on the show. I think that very few people actually stopped watching the show despite the threat. Let’s admit it. We all kind of want to watch a dumpster fire.

While we don’t usually highlight these people’s comments on the blog, this season we’ve been overwhelmed by how many people have sent us messages about Ryan Lochte being on DWTS. They all seem to follow the general pattern I showed above. Did Ryan Lochte do enough to really move the ratings needle down for DWTS? I don’t think so, but his actions have definitely drawn the ire of many.

Many argue that the producers are just putting Lochte on the show as a bit of a publicity stunt to promote the show. Although, on today’s DWTS Cast Announcement, Lochte says that he’d contracted with the show before his incident in Rio. I’m not sure how many people will believe anything that Lochte says though.

While DWTS has never avoided controversy, I’m interested to see how Lochte on DWTS plays out. Will we see another side of Lochte or will he see more shenanigans?

Here’s a small sample of what Pure DWTS readers have sent me on Lochte being on DWTS:

I am an original fan of DWTS. I am very disappointed that ABC and DWTS choose to include Ryan Lochte in the cast. Everyone makes mistakes and it will certainly cost him financially, but adding Lochte casts a shadow on DWTS. He embarrassed the US on a world stage. He needs to fade into the background and now he is in the promos for DWTS and one of only 2 cast members featured on GMA. I changed the channel when he was introduced. I realize I can choose not to watch his dances or the commercials before and after his performances- which I will do. I can only hope his time on DWTS is short lived!!

I’m sure your producers will not care one way or the other but I will boycot this show because that disgraceful Ryan Lochte will be on the cast. He brought shame to this country..he shows no remorse for his actions and continues to downplay his role. We should not be celebrating people like him. Once charges were filed against him by Brazil, he should have been dropped.

I was very sorry to hear that you have recruited Ryan Lochte for the next season. He does not deserve any sympathy or a second chance so soon for what he did in Rio. I suppose Dancing expects a ratings boost by signing Ryan Lochte on;and it just might backfire on you. I hope he is the first contestant to be voted off; he should be. He should never have been given this opportunity. This is a disappointment.

Ryan Lochte shouldn’t be dancing with anyone. He should be in Rio facing charges of filing a false police report.
He lied to his mother, to the police, to the world. He disgraced his team and country.
Lochte isn’t a good role model and shouldn’t be celebrated.
Allow him the consequences of his behavior by dropping him from the show.

I have enjoyed watching many seasons of DWTS. However, I will not be watching season 23. I am very sorry you chose Ryan Lochte as a contestant. All of your previous contestants, while a diverse group, have been worth becoming acquainted with. After his behavior in Brazil, I don’t wish to waste any more of my time on Ryan Lochte. Someone who tells an outright lie, and then characterizes it as an over-exaggeration, all while acting as an ambassador for our country, is despicable. This is not a person I wish to watch as a source of my entertainment.

I just saw on GMA that Ryan Lochte has been selected as a contestant on your show. I have watched your show forever and will not watch now, as you have made a very poor choice in your selection of someone who has committed a crime in another country and has initially denied it.!!This doesnt say much for your show or your selection committee! I just cannot believe this ! You must not want people to watch your show!!!

very disappointed to see this guy in your line up. I’m Canadian, but completely respect the US as our family and neighbour. I’m disgusted in his lies in Rio, and that he embarrassed his country… shame on him… certain he is a spoiled disrespectful snob. I’ve been watching DWTS since day one… Will not watch him dance! will have to leave the room or fast forward through him.. hope he gets voted off 1st week.

For the first time since it stated, I will not watch dancing this year because of Ryan.

If Ryan Lochte is indeed on “Dancing with the Stars” this season, I and many others may have to skip this season. The young man is a disgrace. His recent antics in Rio reveal him as the narcissist that he is and a real deserter of his so called friends. Apologee not accepted, Ryan.
And DWTS should not reward this nonsense.

Can’t believe you’re letting Ryan Lochte in on DWTS !!! It’s like approving and rewarding him for lying and approving of his arrogance !! Take him off your list, and forget about him forever !!
He’s done enough damage, doesn’t deserve this limelight!! Do you really want to lose viewers because of him ?? Think again !!

If you put that criminal and shaker of US on your show I’ll never watch again. People will protest. Shame on you

I am a long time fan of DWTS, but I will NOT be viewing the show this coming season. Your decision to have Ryan Lochte on your show is in poor taste and I will not support a program that honors him.
He dishonored himself, his team, and his country. His antics took away the spotlight from athletes deserving of that spotlight. Now ABC and your producers are going to again give him a spotlight?
I understand his invitation was negotiated prior to the Olympics, but he should just be paid to walk away. Ryan Lochte should spend this TV season in Rio doing community service.
I’m sure many viewers feel the same as I. This is a poor decision and I say shame on you.

Your selection of Ryan Lochte is stupid.
My wife and I have watched 22 seasons but 23 with Ryan Lochte will be done without us. He lied and now is getting rewarded for his actions. I know that he is the center of the attention for the moment but it will be without us.
Good Luck, Hope he does not piss on the wall during practice. A star studpid he is.

Next thing you know, DWTS is going to cast Colin Kaepernick.