The Dancing with the Stars Halloween Night elimination sparked widespread debate after Whitney Leavitt appeared to smile as co-star Jen Affleck was sent home. This moment, coupled with Affleck’s cryptic comments about a feud, has ignited fan speculation about their relationship beyond the ballroom, especially as they prepare for Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 3.
The latest season of Dancing with the Stars delivered a dramatic twist on Halloween Night, sending shockwaves through the fan community and igniting a social media storm. The elimination of Jen Affleck, co-star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, was surprising enough, but it was the televised reaction of her fellow castmate, Whitney Leavitt, that truly captivated audiences and fueled speculation about their off-screen relationship.
On October 28, 2025, during the highly anticipated Halloween-themed episode, Whitney Leavitt and her partner Mark Ballas found themselves in the bottom three alongside Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik, as well as Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten. Hendrix and Bersten, unfortunately, did not perform live due to an injury sustained by Hendrix during rehearsals, adding another layer of tension to the elimination round.
When the results were announced, it was Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik who were ultimately sent home. However, keen-eyed viewers quickly noticed Whitney Leavitt’s immediate reaction: a brief smile, quickly covered by her hand. This fleeting moment was captured and shared across social media platforms, sparking a heated debate among DWTS fans.
The Viral Smile: Relief or Revelation?
A short clip showcasing Whitney Leavitt’s reaction swiftly made its way to platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter). Fans observed a noticeable smile from Leavitt just as Affleck’s elimination was announced, followed by her quickly covering her mouth, leading to an immediate online frenzy.
Social media users were divided on the interpretation of Leavitt’s gesture. Many were quick to criticize, questioning her sincerity and suggesting insensitivity towards her eliminated co-star. Comments ranged from outright condemnation to nuanced observations:
- “Not Whitney covering her smile when her supposed friend’s getting voted off??” one commenter wrote on X.
- “Whitney’s smirk and then covering it just proves she doesn’t deserve to be there. I get it’s a competition but seriously??” another fan added.
- Conversely, others defended Leavitt, attributing her reaction to pure relief. “I mean she’s allowed to be happy she’s not going home,” a fan commented in her defense, acknowledging the immense pressure of the competition.
The TikTok video capturing this moment became a focal point of discussion within the DWTS fan community, with many rewatching and analyzing every frame of Leavitt’s expression.
Jen Affleck’s Exit and the Hint of a Feud
Following her elimination, Jen Affleck, 26, reflected on her DWTS journey. She and Jan Ravnik had performed a contemporary dance to Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do,” earning a score of 32/40. Affleck shared with People magazine that the experience “has meant everything to me,” adding that she “did this for my kids.” Her husband and Secret Lives of Mormon Wives co-star, Zac Affleck, was visibly emotional during the announcement, seen crying at the results.
While Whitney Leavitt, 32, publicly expressed support for Affleck, telling People magazine, “It sucks because all of us work so hard to be here. She worked so hard. I loved her dance tonight,” Affleck’s own post-elimination comments hinted at underlying tensions.
During an Instagram Live session with Jan Ravnik on October 28, Affleck subtly addressed the situation without naming names. “I’d be happy to see someone from the ‘mom tok’ community succeed, but I’m not going to discuss that further,” she shared, adding, “I’ve felt this way from the start.” This cryptic remark was widely interpreted by fans as a direct nod to a potential feud with Whitney Leavitt, who is also a prominent figure in the “Mom Tok” community.
When pressed for more details, Affleck explained that viewers would have to wait for Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 3, premiering November 13, to learn more about the disagreement, further fueling anticipation for the reality show’s return. Her partner, Jan Ravnik, playfully opted out of the drama, quipping, “Oh, I’m out of this chat. Too much drama for me.”
Behind the Scenes: A Drama-Filled Week for Leavitt
The DWTS Halloween Night drama wasn’t the only challenge Whitney Leavitt faced that week. Days before the live show, Leavitt and Mark Ballas had attempted to host a fan giveaway, offering a prize to attend the live Halloween show. However, they were soon informed by ABC and BBC that they had to cancel the promotion.
Leavitt addressed the cancellation with Us Weekly on October 28, stating, “It was a mishap. [It’s] something we wanted to do for the fans and then found out we couldn’t. It is what it is, but we’re going to find out something to do… to say how much we appreciate them.” This incident, coupled with her controversial reaction, contributed to a tumultuous week for the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star.
Looking Ahead: DWTS and Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
Despite the drama, Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas advanced in the competition, placing second on the leaderboard after performing an erratic jazz routine to Green Day’s “Green Stew,” earning them a 37 out of 40. Jen Affleck, for her part, expressed excitement to “root for everyone” from home and participate as a voter rather than a competitor for the remainder of the season, as she told Decider. She also celebrated a “small victory” in her defeat, noting the dream of dancing to a Taylor Swift song with one of her actual dancers.
The unfolding events on Dancing with the Stars have undoubtedly heightened anticipation for the upcoming third season of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, premiering November 13. With Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt both returning to the screen, fans are eager to see if the hinted feud will be further explored and what implications it may have for their on-screen dynamic.
