When Jen Affleck was eliminated from Dancing with the Stars Los Angeles on October 28, 2025, she didn’t just say goodbye to the dance floor—she ignited a social media firestorm. In a raw, unfiltered TikTok Live session the next day, Affleck, 38, told her followers: "I would be rooting for Andy Richter or Robert Irwin to take the Mirrorball Trophy. I would be rooting for a former MomTok person, but we won't be getting into that." The comment, caught by TMZ and E! News, instantly became the season’s most dissected moment. And it wasn’t just fans who noticed. Whitney Leavitt, 35, Affleck’s co-star on Hulu’s Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, was seen covering a smile during Affleck’s emotional exit. That clip went viral—4.3 million views in 48 hours—with 68% of comments speculating about a feud. Now, as Leavitt fights to stay in the competition, she’s refusing to play along.
The MomTok Divide
Both women rose to fame as central figures in Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, a reality series following nine Utah-based Mormon influencers. The show, produced by Scout Productions, turned their lives into entertainment—perfect fodder for the "MomTok" ecosystem: a tight-knit, highly curated corner of TikTok where motherhood, faith, and domestic perfection collide. But behind the curated hashtags and family photos, tensions simmered. When Leavitt returned for Season 2 of SLOMW in early 2025, many fans accused her of using the show as a springboard for DWTS. Jen Affleck, who had already built a loyal following, reportedly felt blindsided. "It felt like she was rebranding herself as a reality star, not a mom," one anonymous SLOMW fan wrote in a Reddit thread that later gained traction.Leavitt’s dance partner, Mark Ballas, a three-time DWTS champion, didn’t help matters when he joked on Instagram: "Some people come for the dancing. Others come for the drama." The comment, posted October 30, was quickly deleted—but not before being screenshotted and shared across Twitter and TikTok. By the time the November 4 semifinals aired, the tension was palpable. Leavitt and Ballas were marked safe, while Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov were eliminated. The crowd cheered, but the cameras lingered on Leavitt’s face—calm, unreadable.
"I’m Trying Not to Focus on That"
After the November 4 episode, E! News reporter Justin Sylvester cornered Leavitt backstage at the ABC Television Center. "I’m trying not to focus on that," she said, declining to elaborate. "I’m here to dance. That’s it." Her team issued no statement. Meanwhile, Affleck remained silent—until November 12, when she posted a cryptic Instagram Story: "Some people think the spotlight is for winning. I think it’s for truth." The post was liked by 12,000 followers. No one tagged Leavitt.The fallout extended beyond the two women. An unidentified person faced backlash for comments directed at Jan Ravnik, Affleck’s Slovenian dance partner. On November 12, the individual apologized on Instagram: "I want to apologize to Jan for the way my words hurt your feelings... we probably might even be friends." The apology, reported by HELLO! Magazine, was widely seen as damage control—but it didn’t fix the larger rift.
Why This Matters Beyond Reality TV
This isn’t just about two women who don’t get along. It’s about the commodification of authenticity. The "MomTok" community thrives on the illusion of wholesome, faith-driven family life. But when influencers like Leavitt and Affleck enter competitions like DWTS—where viewership spikes 12% after drama erupts—it forces a question: Are these women still mothers first? Or are they now performers, playing roles designed for algorithms?Parade magazine noted that despite the rumors, both women maintained professional conduct during rehearsals. They didn’t sabotage routines. Didn’t refuse to share the floor. But the emotional distance was visible. "You can’t fake chemistry on the dance floor," said one former DWTS choreographer, speaking anonymously. "But you can fake respect. And right now, they’re just doing the bare minimum."
What’s Next for DWTS Season 33
Leavitt advanced to the quarterfinals on November 11, 2025, one step closer to the Dancing with the Stars Los Angeles finale. The Mirrorball Trophy—18 inches tall, 15 pounds, worth $50,000 to make—isn’t just a prize. It’s validation. For Leavitt, it could mean a lucrative brand deal, a spin-off show, or even a return to SLOMW with renewed clout. For Affleck, who finished in 9th place, it’s about legacy. She’s already been approached by a streaming platform for a docuseries on "the cost of visibility."Andy Richter and Robert Irwin remain in the running, both now the only contestants Affleck publicly endorses. Irwin, 21, the son of Steve Irwin, has become a fan favorite for his humility. Richter, 58, brings comedic timing and surprising grace. Neither is from MomTok. Neither is entangled in the drama. And that, perhaps, is the real story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jen Affleck refuse to name Whitney Leavitt on TikTok?
Affleck’s refusal to name Leavitt was likely a legal and PR move. Directly accusing a fellow contestant could open her to defamation claims, especially as Leavitt was still competing. By saying "a former MomTok person," she signaled her meaning without crossing a line—leaving fans to connect the dots while maintaining plausible deniability. It’s a tactic often used in reality TV to stir controversy without direct confrontation.
How did the TikTok clip affect DWTS ratings?
The viral clip of Leavitt’s smile during Affleck’s exit drew 4.3 million views on TikTok within 48 hours, according to Rival IQ. That buzz directly contributed to a 12% viewership jump for the November 4 episode, pushing total viewers to 7.2 million across linear and streaming platforms. Nielsen confirmed it was the highest-rated DWTS episode of the season so far—proof that reality TV drama still drives ratings.
Is there any evidence of a real feud outside of social media?
No public evidence exists beyond the TikTok comment and the smile. Both women were seen exchanging polite nods during rehearsals. Producers have not confirmed any backstage altercations. However, insiders tell Parade that the tension was palpable during group photo shoots, with Affleck avoiding Leavitt’s gaze. The feud may be more about perceived betrayal than outright hostility.
What’s the connection between MomTok and DWTS?
MomTok influencers often transition into mainstream reality TV as their follower counts grow. DWTS offers them visibility beyond their niche audience. Leavitt’s move was widely seen as strategic: use SLOMW to build a platform, then leverage it for DWTS exposure. Affleck, who had been on the circuit longer, may have felt her authenticity was being exploited. The clash isn’t personal—it’s about control of narrative in the influencer economy.
Will Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt ever reconcile?
Unlikely in the near term. Affleck has moved on, focusing on her upcoming docuseries. Leavitt is laser-focused on the finale. Both have too much at stake: brand deals, book contracts, and public perception. Even if they spoke privately, the public narrative has already hardened. Reconciliation would require a joint interview—and neither has shown interest in that.
What happened to Jan Ravnik after the controversy?
Jan Ravnik, Affleck’s dance partner, received online harassment following the TikTok incident, prompting an apology from an anonymous critic on Instagram. Ravnik, a professional dancer from Slovenia, has since returned to his normal schedule, coaching other DWTS contestants. He has not publicly commented on the feud, but sources say he was deeply unsettled by the vitriol directed at him. His focus remains on technique—not drama.