Amidst swirling online negativity, DWTS professional dancer Ezra Sosa has come to the strong defense of his partner, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, dismissing “mean girl” accusations and clarifying the context behind perceived moments from their Oct. 7 performance, emphasizing their genuine connection and shared journey in the ballroom.
The spotlight of “Dancing with the Stars” often brings not only dazzling performances but also intense scrutiny, and the recent season proved no exception for Olympic silver medalist Jordan Chiles and her professional partner, Ezra Sosa. Following their performance on the Oct. 7 “Disney Night” episode, Chiles became the target of online negativity, with some social media users labeling her a “mean girl” and questioning her dynamic with Sosa. However, Sosa quickly stepped in to unequivocally address these claims, clarifying misinterpretations and staunchly defending his partner.
The Spark of Controversy: Misinterpreted Moments from “Disney Night”
The “mean girl” accusations largely stemmed from two moments during the Oct. 7 broadcast that were taken out of context by some viewers. Understanding these incidents is crucial to grasping the depth of Sosa’s defense.
- The Abrupt Exit After Scores: After receiving their scores, it appeared that Jordan Chiles walked off stage abruptly while host Julianne Hough transitioned to an announcement about the upcoming “Dancing with the Stars” Tour. This prompted viewers to speculate about her demeanor. However, Sosa clarified in an Instagram video that this was simply Chiles following production instructions. “They told Jordan that she needed to move immediately after scores cause they had to announce tour,” Sosa explained, acknowledging that from a viewer’s perspective, it could be easily misinterpreted.
- The “Put Me Down” Comment: A second incident occurred when Sosa lifted Chiles after they were declared safe for another week. Chiles was heard saying, “OK, you can put me down now.” This playful comment, too, fueled the negative narrative. Sosa quickly debunked this, emphasizing their unique relationship. “For those of you who do not know Jordan and I and our dynamic it is very much a brother and sister,” he noted. He found the moment “hysterical” at the time, not offensive.
These isolated instances, amplified by social media, created an unfair portrayal of Chiles. The swiftness and severity of the online comments deeply affected both partners, prompting a public response.
Ezra Sosa’s Unwavering Defense
On October 10, Ezra Sosa took to Instagram to share a heartfelt video, directly addressing the “speculation that he doesn’t get along with partner Jordan Chiles,” as reported by Today.com. He made it abundantly clear that the claims were “further from the truth.”
Sosa expressed his frustration and sadness over the unwarranted criticism aimed at Chiles, particularly highlighting the disparity between the public perception and his personal experience with her. He passionately declared, “It just breaks my heart because that ’s not my experience with her at all. She is truly a remarkable person and I ’m so, so grateful that she came into my life.” He also added, “What we share is something i ’ll always stand up for. I ’m so grateful for you @jordan.chiles you don’t even know,” a sentiment shared via his personal Instagram, which serves as a direct source of his defense.
The professional dancer stressed that while he can handle negative comments directed at himself “like a champ,” he would not tolerate negativity aimed at Chiles. He underscored the importance of individuality and mutual respect within their partnership, stating, “We’re allowed to be our own individual selves and sometimes our dynamic may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is certainly mine and we’re on this journey together and it is so special.” His commitment extended to ensuring their genuine bond was “reflected as such.”
Jordan Chiles Speaks Out and the Gymnastics Legacy
Jordan Chiles herself also addressed the controversy in a now-expired Instagram story, reiterating Sosa’s sentiments. She stated, “Me and @ezra.sosa relationship is perfectly fine. We laugh, joke and i’m pretty sure you can tell our connection is pretty good through our social media.” She urged fans not to let the fabricated rumors affect their voting, emphasizing her true intention for joining the show: “I came on this show to have fun and enjoy a new chapter of my life.”
Chiles, an Olympic gold medalist, has previously spoken about her strong work ethic, a trait that undoubtedly contributes to her focused demeanor. Prior to joining DWTS, she discussed trusting her training for gymnastics, hoping it would translate into her dance performances. Her ambition follows a tradition of successful gymnasts on the show, including Laurie Hernandez and Shawn Johnson, both of whom clinched the Mirrorball Trophy. Her teammate, Simone Biles, also competed, finishing fourth overall.
Community Support and Moving Forward
The swift and clear defense from Ezra Sosa, coupled with Jordan Chiles’ direct message, garnered significant support from the DWTS community. Fellow pros and celebrities, like Mark Ballas, Elaine Hendrix, and Xochitl Gomez, publicly shared messages of encouragement, applauding Sosa’s loyalty and Chiles’ resilience. This outpouring of support highlighted the strong bonds formed within the show’s cast and the collective disapproval of online bullying.
Despite the temporary setback of online scrutiny, Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa remain focused on their journey. Their commitment to their partnership and to enjoying the unique experience of “Dancing with the Stars” shines through, proving that their real connection transcends fleeting online misinterpretations. As they continue to compete, their story becomes a powerful reminder of empathy and understanding in the often-harsh world of reality television and social media.
