Witney Carson is making her feelings about Guillermo Rodriguez — and their continued run on Dancing With the Stars — very clear.
The pregnant professional dancer has pushed back against growing speculation that she secretly wants to be eliminated from Season 35, insisting that viewers have misinterpreted her emotional reactions during recent results.
The rumors began after Guillermo and Witney repeatedly found themselves among the final couples waiting to learn their fate.
Because Witney sometimes appeared emotional rather than immediately celebrating when they survived, some viewers began suggesting that the two-time Mirrorball champion might actually prefer an early exit while expecting her third child.
Witney has now rejected that theory completely.
“Because it’s not true,” she said when asked why she felt the need to address the speculation, adding that she doesn’t like false narratives circulating online without having an opportunity to explain her side.
Witney previously explained that being announced among the final three couples creates an unusual emotional situation.
She pointed out that the couples standing there are not necessarily the three with the lowest viewer totals, but they also cannot immediately celebrate surviving because someone beside them is about to be eliminated.
That means her facial expressions can reflect sadness for friends leaving the competition at the exact same moment she feels relief about continuing.
Witney stressed that she is genuinely grateful to remain in the ballroom with Guillermo.
She has repeatedly praised his work ethic and attitude, explaining that he continues practicing even after scheduled rehearsals end because he genuinely wants to improve.
The latest round of speculation came as their Season 35 journey remained difficult with the judges.
During Mariah Carey Night, Guillermo and Witney performed a Samba to “Obsessed” and received just 13 out of 30, the lowest score of the evening.
Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough each awarded a 4, while Bruno Tonioli gave the pair a 5.
Despite the low score, Guillermo and Witney survived another elimination.
Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong were instead sent home after earning 21 out of 30, once again demonstrating how important viewer voting has become in keeping Guillermo in the competition.
Guillermo has consistently struggled technically, but his personality has helped turn him into one of Season 35’s most popular contestants.
Witney says that popularity hasn’t changed how seriously Guillermo approaches rehearsals.
She has described him as humble, hardworking and committed to learning despite entering the show with little dance experience.
Witney has also addressed concerns about competing while pregnant.
She said she knows her physical limits after years as a professional dancer, is following her doctor’s guidance and is receiving plenty of support from the DWTS production team.
That makes the idea that Witney is simply waiting to be eliminated especially frustrating for her.
Rather than wanting their journey to end, she says she and Guillermo are beginning to find their rhythm as partners and she remains optimistic about what they can produce next.
Their judges’ scores may continue putting them near the bottom of the leaderboard, but Witney says that should not be confused with a lack of commitment.
As long as viewers keep voting for Guillermo Rodriguez, she intends to keep showing up, teaching him and competing.
And after weeks of speculation, Witney Carson has now made one thing unmistakably clear: surviving another elimination isn’t something she resents — it is something she remains grateful for.
