The latest episode of DWTS (Dancing with the Stars) took a dramatic turn on October 1, 2025, when Danielle Fishel clashed with fellow contestant Whitney Leavitt during the elimination round. The tension erupted after weeks of whispers about rivalry, and cameras caught every word of the heated exchange.
How the Feud Unfolded
During Tuesday’s live broadcast, Danielle Fishel made headlines for calling out Whitney Leavitt. The moment came right after the results were read. Danielle, known for her role on Boy Meets World, was visibly upset and addressed Whitney directly. According to Page Six, she “put Whitney Leavitt in her place” after what she perceived as ongoing shade throughout rehearsals and performances.
TMZ reported that Danielle “was pissed” when Whitney attempted to downplay their on-screen tension. Sources close to production said the actress snapped, telling Whitney not to “smile through fake support” when she hadn’t been genuine behind the scenes.
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The Video That Sparked More Buzz
A video clip of the confrontation quickly circulated online. Cosmopolitan confirmed that fans replayed the footage thousands of times within hours. In the clip, Danielle told Whitney point-blank, “You don’t get to gaslight me on national television.” Whitney responded with a brief shake of the head but offered no rebuttal before the cameras cut away.
Yahoo Entertainment noted that Danielle’s sharp words left Whitney “stunned,” adding that the studio audience audibly gasped during the exchange. Social media lit up with hashtags like #TeamDanielle and #DWTSDrama, splitting fans between the two contestants.
Fishel’s Struggles Leading Up to the Moment
While the feud shocked many, Danielle has had a challenging season even before this blowup. Good Housekeeping revealed that she has been dancing through an injury since mid-September 2025. Doctors advised her to rest, but she insisted on competing, saying, “I didn’t come this far to stop now.” Her determination resonated with fans, though it may have contributed to heightened stress during rehearsals.
Despite the pain, Danielle continued to practice long hours with her partner. Insiders noted she was often exhausted, but she refused to let her health setback derail her progress. That tension may have boiled over in her exchange with Whitney.
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Whitney Leavitt’s Response
Whitney, a TikTok star known for her viral dance routines, appeared composed on camera after the clash but has yet to issue a formal statement. TMZ sources suggested Whitney was “caught off guard” by the confrontation and felt the issue could have been resolved privately. Page Six added that producers were “scrambling” backstage to manage the fallout, unsure if the drama would affect next week’s performances.
Fan Reactions and What’s Next
The fight immediately divided the audience. Some viewers praised Danielle for being outspoken, while others criticized her timing during a tense elimination night. Many argued that Whitney had been unfairly singled out. Regardless, the exchange has injected new energy into Season 2025 of Dancing with the Stars, ensuring that the spotlight will stay firmly on Danielle and Whitney in the weeks ahead.
With Danielle Fishel battling injury and Whitney Leavitt defending her reputation, next week’s episode could be one of the most dramatic yet. Both women remain in the competition, but their feud is likely to shape not only the performances but also how fans cast their votes going forward.
DWTS Drama Spotlight
- Danielle Fishel: Called out Whitney Leavitt live on October 1, 2025; has been dancing through injury.
- Whitney Leavitt: TikTok star who faced Danielle’s public confrontation; has not issued a statement.
- Elimination Round: The setting of the drama, where audience reaction amplified the feud.
- Fan Split: Trending hashtags divided viewers into rival camps.
Dancing with the Stars thrives on competition, but Danielle Fishel versus Whitney Leavitt may be one of the most talked-about clashes in the show’s history. Whether this feud fuels their performances or derails them remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on them next week.
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