Former 'DWTS' Contestant Danielle Fishel Says Judges Tougher On Female Contestants: "Men Get A Pass"
News Source
β’Sat, 07 Nov 2026 17:24:57 +0000
π° What Happened
Former Dancing With the Stars contestant Danielle Fishel says the show's judges are harder on women than on men. She made the comment on her podcast, Ballroom Breakdown, while discussing a recent episode.
She pointed to guest judge Shirley Ballas giving Julia Stiles and Tatyana Ali scores of 4, while Tyler Cameron got a 5. Fishel said she thought the women danced better. She also said audiences boo female judges for criticism that male judges get away with.
Fishel, best known for Boy Meets World, competed on the show last year.
π The Backstory
Dancing With the Stars pairs celebrities with professional dancers and lets judges score each routine. The US version has run since 2005 and is watched by millions. Judging decisions often spark debate online.
Research on judging in sport and performance has found similar patterns. Women are often marked more harshly for the same work, and are judged on appearance as well as skill.
π― Why It Matters
Millions of people watch judging like this every week. When scores look unfair, it shapes what viewers think is normal for women in sport and on stage.
Former Dancing With the Stars contestant Danielle Fishel says the show's judges are harder on women than on men. She made the comment on her podcast, Ballroom Breakdown, while discussing a recent episode.
She pointed to guest judge Shirley Ballas giving Julia Stiles and Tatyana Ali scores of 4, while Tyler Cameron got a 5. Fishel said she thought the women danced better. She also said audiences boo female judges for criticism that male judges get away with.
Fishel, best known for Boy Meets World, competed on the show last year.
Dancing With the Stars pairs celebrities with professional dancers and lets judges score each routine. The US version has run since 2005 and is watched by millions. Judging decisions often spark debate online.
Research on judging in sport and performance has found similar patterns. Women are often marked more harshly for the same work, and are judged on appearance as well as skill.
Millions of people watch judging like this every week. When scores look unfair, it shapes what viewers think is normal for women in sport and on stage.