For days leading up to the Dancing with the Stars finale, the internet was in chaos. Fans weren’t arguing about scores, judges, or choreography — they were arguing about the photos. The now-viral backstage pictures of Xochitl Gomez and Robert Irwin had caused one of the biggest fandom meltdowns in DWTS history. And until last night, nobody knew the truth.
Xochitl Gomez stepped into her post-show interview looking relaxed… until the interviewer asked the question. “So Xochitl, everyone wants to know — what is happening between you and Robert Irwin?” In that moment, her entire expression changed. She laughed nervously, looked down, and for a second it seemed like she might dodge the question altogether.
But with millions already watching the clip online, Xochitl finally gave in. She looked straight into the camera and said, “Well, since everybody has been asking about it, me and Robert…” The entire room leaned in as if gravity had suddenly shifted. The whole fandom held its breath.
And then she said it — the sentence that no one expected. “Robert and I were good friends for a while,” she began, her voice steady but soft. “And now we’re best friends. Nothing’s been going on between us.” Just like that, the internet exploded. Some fans sighed in relief. Others refused to believe her. But one thing was clear: her answer shocked everyone.
Xochitl continued, explaining that the photos captured innocent moments during long rehearsal days. “We laugh a lot. We joke around. He’s one of the easiest people to talk to,” she added. She even admitted that she and Robert often shared snacks backstage and encouraged one another when the pressure became overwhelming. But she insisted none of it crossed into romance.
When the interviewer pressed again, asking if she understood why fans thought something more was happening, Xochitl giggled and said, “Honestly? He’s adorable. So I get it. But no — we’re just really, really good friends.” Her answer was sincere, but her blush didn’t go unnoticed by viewers who quickly dissected every frame online.
Backstage sources later claimed that Robert had already seen the interview and smiled the entire way through. He reportedly told Witney Carson, “I’m proud of her for saying something. I didn’t want her to deal with the pressure alone.” That small moment added even more fuel to the debate — if they’re “just friends,” why do they care so much about protecting each other?
The fandom immediately split into two sides: those who believe they are simply best friends, and those who are convinced the two young stars are secretly in the very early stages of something more. TikTok, Instagram, and X all lit up within minutes, with thousands of comments dissecting her tone, her smile, and even her body language.
Whether or not Xochitl’s statement settles the rumors remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: her honesty, mixed with a hint of nervous sweetness, only strengthened fans’ fascination with the duo. Robert and Xochitl may not be a couple — at least not by their own words — but their bond has already become one of the most talked-about storylines of the entire DWTS season.
And if the backstage chemistry, the photos, and the undeniable comfort between them are any indication, the world won’t be stopping the speculation any time soon.
