Alfonso Ribeiro denies claims that Dancing With the Stars is rigged

Dancing With the Stars co-host Alfonso Ribeiro has rejected allegations that the reality competition series is rigged. The response follows comments made by former contestant Alexa PenaVega on her “LEXLOS” podcast.

PenaVega recounted a moment from Season 21 involving contestant Hayes Grier, who expressed frustration after being placed in the bottom group despite having a large social media following. PenaVega suggested that while audience votes are significant, the show is also “produced,” noting that producers have a role in determining the competition's direction and outcomes.

Ribeiro defended the show's integrity on social media, stating, “No chance. We want everyone who’s popular to stay on. It’s basic logic.” PenaVega later clarified that her comments were part of a story about Grier and noted that the show includes disclaimers regarding producer influence.