Dancing With the Stars competitor Jackson Olson issued a public apology to fellow contestant Guillermo Rodriguez after facing social media backlash over a comment comparing their dance rehearsals. The controversy began after Olson commented on a video showing choreography performed by Rodriguez and professional partner Witney Carson.
The Origin of the DWTS Controversy
The drama started when the Loco Beach Coconuts posted a TikTok video featuring player Erik Ostberg recreating choreography that Witney Carson had designed for Rodriguez during “Yacht Rock Night.” Olson, a Savannah Bananas player competing on Season 35 of the hit ABC show, left a comment under the post that read, “But seriously, how did you do this better than him with 2 hours of rehearsal,” along with a laughing emoji.
Fans quickly criticized the remark, interpreting it as a direct jab at Rodriguez. Although Rodriguez has consistently landed near the bottom of the leaderboard, he has won over viewers and built a massive following as a fan-favorite underdog alongside Carson.
Jackson Olson’s Public Apology and Resolution
Recognizing the negative impact of his words, Olson deleted the original comment and took a lighthearted approach to make amends before Mariah Carey Night. On Tuesday, October 6, Olson shared a collaborative Instagram video featuring himself and the Jimmy Kimmel Live! sidekick.
The clip used audio from the Hannah Montana hit “Nobody’s Perfect.” It showed Olson mouthing the lyrics “Everybody makes mistakes” before Rodriguez appeared in the frame. Both men wore matching sunglasses, brushed off the online discourse, and danced together to show unity.
In the post’s caption, Olson addressed his castmate and fans directly:
To G and to all of you, from the bottom of my heart I am so sorry about my comment I made the other day and that it caused this much negativity. I love this guy ❤️ now let’s do what this show is meant to be about.. DANCE 🕺 ily G.
Looking Ahead on Season 35
Despite the brief internet controversy, both contestants remain focused on the competition. For Week 4, Olson is scheduled to dance a waltz with professional partner Emma Slater, while Rodriguez and Carson are preparing a samba.
Carson has defended her partner’s work ethic and attitude throughout the season, noting that Rodriguez entered the show with zero prior dance experience. Supported by strong fan votes that keep them safe each week, both pairs continue their journey toward the Mirrorball Trophy as Season 35 continues on ABC, Disney+, and Hulu.
