Dancing With The Stars Season 20 Cast: Judge Bruno Tonioni's Inappropriate Comment to Actress Charlotte McKinney Shocks the Crowd

By Shawn Schuster
McKinney
Charlotte McKinney and her partner were voted off of Dancing with the Stars this week. Photo: ABC

This week's Dancing With the Stars featured the usual hits and misses, but when actress Charlotte McKinney was voted off the ABC show, it was judge Bruno Tonioni's comments that caused the most commotion from the audience and those watching at home.

"You're never going to win the Nobel prize for quantum physics, but you are easy on the eyes and you produce wonderful shapes," Tonioli said during the wrap-up segment while the judges were giving out scores.

The comment was not only inappropriate and sexist, but it came at a time when McKinney was already trying so hard to be a role model against bullying. "To be honest, I just really thought it was uncalled for," McKinney said on Good Morning America. "Especially the week before, I've really been trying to be used as a platform for social media bullying and really just stop any negativity and just talk about being positive, and it just came out of nowhere."

But McKinney says that she just brushed it off at the time for the sake of live TV. "It was silly but sometimes on live TV you just forget. I mean, I've heard it all. At the end of the day, just shake it off."

As for the performance, McKinney says that she felt that she was just emotionally and physically drained, and last week's show was leading toward a vote-off anyway. But she's keeping her head up and staying positive about the experience. "I learned so much from this experience and I'm so grateful and it's been such an amazing ride and it is what it is," she said, adding that her professional dancer partner, Keo Motsepe, will be a friend for a lifetime.

As for the others on the show, the top score of the night went to Nastia Liukin and Derek Hough who tied with Riker Lynch and Allison Holker for 34 points each. Bruce Willis and Demi Moore's daughter, Rumer Willis, did quite well with her professional partner Valentin Chmerkovsiy and a score of 33, while Hunger Games star Willow Shields and Sadie Robertson's previous partner, Mark Ballas, came in at 32 points.

Noah Galloway, the double amputee U.S. Army veteran decided to not use his prosthetic arm in the final routine, and he and his pro partner, Sharna Burgess, racked up a total of 30 points.

Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec and pro partner Kym Johnson were only one point away with 29, and The Bachelor star Chris Soules came back from a disappointing performance last week with partner Witney Carson to impress judges just enough for a score of 28.

Long-time TV star Suzanne Somers and partner Tony Dovolani scored 25 while football free agent Michael Sam and partner Peta Murgatroyd squeeked by with 24 points.

Along with McKinney and Motsepe, who were voted off, singer Patti LaBelle and partner Artem Chigvintsev also received only 22 points, but were saved from elimination this week.

Be sure to check out the recap video below for more on this week's Dancing With the Stars.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo