Tom Bergeron, the veteran TV host, recently disclosed that he was unexpectedly fired from the hit show “Dancing with the Stars” in 2020. The shocking revelation came after Bergeron objected to the casting of controversial political figure Sean Spicer in the previous season.
According to Bergeron, he had been assured by the show’s bosses that no political figure would be cast for Season 28. The TV host strongly believed that the program should provide viewers with a weekly escape from the intense political divisiveness prevalent in the United States.
In an attempt to maintain the show’s apolitical stance, Bergeron offered to step aside as host for the controversial season. However, instead of considering his suggestion, the showrunner responded by threatening to release him from his contract entirely.
Expressing his disappointment, Bergeron took to Twitter in August 2019 to voice his disapproval of Spicer’s casting. In his tweet, he stressed his desire for “DWTS” to remain free from any divisive bookings related to party affiliations. This was a clear indication that Bergeron believed the inclusion of Spicer was a step too far.
Bergeron disclosed that he knew the 28th season would be his last, feeling betrayed by those in charge. He was angered by what he considered a breach of trust and being misled by the show’s producers and executives.
The TV host wanted viewers to understand the significance of this decision, particularly on the brink of an election year. For Bergeron, it was about showcasing “Dancing with the Stars” at its best, as a source of entertainment and escape for its audience.
In July 2020, Bergeron officially announced his departure from the show, ending his long-standing role as host. To fill the void left by Bergeron, Tyra Banks was brought in as his replacement.
Bergeron’s firing from “Dancing with the Stars” not only shocked fans but also highlighted the underlying tension between politics and entertainment. This incident serves as a reminder that even beloved TV shows are not immune to political controversies and the potential fallout they can cause.
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