The glitter of the ballroom dimmed into chaos this week as Robert Irwin, beloved conservationist and fan favorite of Dancing with the Stars US, collapsed during a rehearsal session. The 21-year-old wildlife warrior was pushed to his physical limits in preparation for his debut, gasping for air as he lay on the studio floor, leaving producers, his partner, and fans shaken.
Cameras captured the harrowing moment as Robert hyperventilated on his back, struggling to catch his breath. His professional partner, Witney Carson, attempted to lighten the mood with a nervous laugh, joking, “I’ve killed him!” But the intensity of the scene revealed just how grueling the competition has become. Irwin, regaining composure, reassured her softly, “No, you haven’t.”
Robert later shared the moment himself on social media, captioning the clip with humor: “Post rehearsals mood 😂.” While his lighthearted words tried to ease concerns, fans couldn’t ignore the visible toll the rigorous training is already taking. The clip went viral within minutes, with supporters flooding the comments with encouragement and concern, urging him to prioritize his health.
This season marks Robert’s first time competing on the American edition of the hit dance series, a decade after his sister Bindi Irwin famously won the competition in 2015 alongside Derek Hough. The pressure to uphold the family’s dancing legacy has fueled excitement — but now raises questions about whether that pressure may be weighing too heavily.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Robert’s new dance partner, Witney Carson, has drawn attention for her striking resemblance to his ex-girlfriend, Rorie Buckey, the niece of the late Heath Ledger. Fans were quick to point out the uncanny similarities, speculating on how the pairing could affect Robert both personally and on the dance floor.
Despite the intense rehearsals, Robert and Witney have shown off playful chemistry in behind-the-scenes photos, including one where the conservationist wrapped an enormous python around his shoulders — a nod to his wildlife roots — while Witney smiled by his side in a glamorous pink dress. The duo has already become one of the most talked-about partnerships heading into Season 34.
Robert’s collapse, however, has now sparked a bigger conversation. Insiders say producers are deeply aware of the physical and emotional demands placed on contestants and are reevaluating how far rehearsals should push celebrity competitors. With fans demanding answers and Robert’s wellbeing at the forefront, this incident could change the tone of the season before it even begins.
As Dancing with the Stars US prepares to premiere on September 16 on Disney+, one thing is certain: Robert Irwin’s journey will not only be about dance steps, but also about resilience, pressure, and the fight to prove himself on one of television’s most dazzling — and demanding — stages
