Antonio Sabàto Jr. Criticizes Dancing With the Stars

Antonio Sabàto Jr., a former contestant on Dancing With the Stars, has claimed that the show is 'partly rigged,' favoring those with dance backgrounds over celebrities without such experience. During a podcast with his former partner Cheryl Burke, he argued that most winners have prior dance skills, stating, 'If you're not a dancer...you're not going to win.' Burke countered with the example of Emmitt Smith, who won with her despite having no dance experience, but Sabàto maintained that Smith had 'soul' and moves. He also criticized the show's judges for prioritizing contestants' narratives over their dance abilities. Sabàto reflected on how his own busy schedule may have hindered his performance, suggesting that had he more time, he could have advanced further in the competition. His remarks have prompted reactions from fans and media, questioning the fairness of reality competition shows.