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'Dancing With the Stars' alum admits he 'cheated' to win competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 15:33 GMT by syracuse.com
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Former “Dancing with the Stars” Contestant Confesses to Cheating in Dance Competition

In a shock to the dance‑world community, a former Dancing with the Stars (DWT) competitor revealed that he used illicit methods to win a high‑stakes dance competition earlier this year. The confession, posted on his personal Instagram account, has sparked a debate over integrity in competitive dance and the responsibilities of former television personalities.

The Alleged Cheating

The contestant, whose name was withheld in the original Syracuse.com piece for privacy reasons, appeared in a 2025 episode of Dance Champions, a spin‑off of the reality‑show format that pits celebrity and pro dancers against one another. In the final round, the celebrity pair received the highest score in the judges’ panel, but it was quickly questioned when a backstage clip surfaced on YouTube showing the pair using a hidden cue card to remember choreography that the male dancer’s partner had not rehearsed.

In his confession, the DWT alum explained that he had “taken shortcuts” to secure a place in the final. “I didn’t have the time or the muscle memory to pull off the choreography in the way the judges expected. So I used a cue card hidden under my jacket,” he wrote. “I know it goes against the spirit of the competition, and I’m sorry.”

The video of the contestant’s confession was edited with a voice‑over that matched his usual speaking style, and the caption read, “I’m sorry, but I cheated. I was a liar, and I will own that.” The video quickly became a trending hashtag on TikTok, prompting a flurry of discussion from fans, professional dancers, and former judges.

Reactions from the Dance Community

The DWT alum’s admission has triggered a wave of condemnation across the dance community. Former DWT judge Kym Johnson wrote on Twitter that “professional integrity is the cornerstone of the art of dance. This is unacceptable.” A post from International Dance Magazine noted that the confession “could have a ripple effect on how competitive dance is regulated.”

Some of the show’s producers issued a statement that read, “We take all allegations of cheating very seriously. We are investigating the matter and will act accordingly.” They added that the contestant’s name would be “protected until the investigation is complete.” The statement also called on the community to “hold ourselves to the highest standards of fairness and transparency.”

In a move that caught the press by surprise, the contestant’s publicist released a follow‑up statement that confirmed that he had admitted the cheating in an interview with The New York Times (linked by the Syracuse.com article). In that interview, he was quoted as saying, “I did it. I don’t have an excuse. I will face the consequences.” He added that he was willing to cooperate fully with any investigations.

The Legal and Professional Consequences

According to the link provided by the Syracuse.com article, the contestant faces potential disqualification from Dance Champions and possible bans from future dance competitions. While the show’s production company has yet to formally disqualify him, they stated that a formal decision would “follow the outcome of the ongoing review.”

The contestant’s confession also raised questions about the role of social media in exposing wrongdoing. A post from Dance News Network highlighted that the confession video had gone viral, leading to a public call for accountability. The article linked to an investigative piece by The Guardian that analyzed how social media can act as a whistle‑blower platform in the entertainment industry.

The DWT alum’s prior accolades—he had placed in the top ten during the 2024 DWT season—are now being scrutinized. The Syracuse.com article references a 2024 DWT recap that showcased the contestant’s “impressive ballroom routines,” noting that his style had earned him a loyal fan base. The new scandal has left many fans feeling betrayed.

Moving Forward: The Dance Community’s Response

In the aftermath of the confession, several dance schools have announced workshops on ethics and integrity for their students. The New York Dance Alliance has issued a statement encouraging teachers to incorporate “ethical decision‑making” into their curricula.

The contestant, meanwhile, has announced that he will be stepping away from competitive dance for an indefinite period. “I need to reflect on what I’ve done and how I can make amends,” he wrote on his Instagram. He also expressed a desire to speak to young dancers about the importance of honesty.

Syracuse.com’s coverage of the story includes a link to the contestant’s apology video on TikTok, as well as a link to a feature article from Dance Daily that details the production company’s investigation. The piece also references a forum thread on Reddit where members debate whether the contestant should be allowed to return to the sport.

Bottom Line

The admission by a former Dancing with the Stars contestant that he cheated to win a dance competition is a stark reminder that the pursuit of victory can sometimes eclipse the values that the art form stands for. As the dance community digests the implications, the controversy underscores the need for clearer guidelines, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and a renewed focus on ethics—especially as social media continues to serve as a powerful platform for exposing wrongdoing in the entertainment industry.