Bobby Bones Returns DWTS Trophy Amid Controversy with Former Host

In a moment of raw vulnerability, radio personality Bobby Bones revealed he has returned his Dancing With the Stars mirrorball trophy to ABC following hurtful comments made by the show’s former host, Tom Bergeron. The 45-year-old winner of the 2018 season took to TikTok on November 12 to express his disappointment after Bergeron told Parade magazine that Bones’ victory was “shocking” and the “first time it was like, ‘Ouch.'” The comments reopened old wounds for Bones, who has faced criticism since his unexpected win nearly six years ago. “I try not to get my feelings hurt, especially about stuff like this, but this was hurtful,” Bones admitted in his emotional video. “And not because of what was said, but really who said it.” What made the situation particularly painful for Bones was his admiration for Bergeron, making the critique feel like a betrayal from someone he respected.

Bones defended his journey on the show with passionate honesty, explaining that he never sought out the DWTS opportunity in the first place. “I didn’t even wanna be on the show,” he recalled. “I had no intention of being on Dancing with the Stars. I was working on a different show at the network, they asked me to go on the show to promote.” This context makes the criticism feel especially unfair to Bones, who questions what he should have done differently. “Am I supposed to not show up and work hard? Am I supposed to not give it freaking everything that I have? Am I supposed to, like, throw it and not win?” These questions highlight the impossible position Bones found himself in – damned for succeeding at something he was asked to do. He expressed frustration at “the amount of hate I get, even from people I respect like Tom Bergeron” and current co-host Julianne Hough, comparing himself to “a sixth grader and all the ninth-grade Dancing kids are shoving me in lockers.”

The ongoing criticism ultimately pushed Bones to a dramatic decision – returning his coveted mirrorball trophy to ABC. “I sent the trophy back. They don’t want me to be a part of the show, obviously. So I don’t wanna be somewhere that doesn’t want me to be there,” he explained with obvious emotional strain. While many winners proudly display their trophies for years, Bones felt he needed to make this symbolic gesture to protect himself from further hurt. He acknowledged that the persistent negativity from the DWTS community has “taken all the joy away from my time [as a contestant],” effectively tarnishing what should have been one of his proudest accomplishments. The decision to part with the trophy represents not just disappointment but a form of self-preservation for Bones, who clearly feels unwelcome in a community he once celebrated being part of.

What makes the situation more poignant is Bones’ reflection on how hard he worked during his season while balancing significant professional commitments. “I had such a great, joyous time. Even though I was the only one in the whole crew that was dancing that had a full-time job at the same time,” he noted, highlighting the additional challenges he faced compared to many contestants. Throughout his season, Bones became known for his enthusiasm and determination rather than natural dance ability, which resonated with viewers who appreciated his growth and authenticity. His victory represented the show’s premise that anyone could learn to dance with dedication and practice, yet the backlash suggests some felt his win undermined the competition’s integrity. This tension between judge scoring and viewer voting has been a recurring theme in the show’s history, with Bones unfortunately becoming the lightning rod for this debate.

After Bones shared his emotional response, Bergeron quickly moved to make amends, sending a direct message that acknowledged the hurt his comments had caused. “Bobby, it wasn’t my intention to hurt your feelings,” the former host wrote. “My ‘ouch’ was based on my honest feeling that your win spoke to a need to address the balance between judge and viewer voting.” Bergeron’s apology attempted to clarify that his criticism was aimed at the show’s format rather than at Bones personally, but the damage was already done. Interestingly, Bergeron added, “I always felt bad that you & Sharna [Burgess] had to deal with the aftermath of that win & I certainly regret pouring any salt into that old wound.” This acknowledgment suggests Bergeron was aware of the criticism Bones and his professional partner faced following their victory, making his public comments all the more surprising.

The controversy highlights broader questions about reality competition shows and the sometimes painful aftermath contestants face after their time in the spotlight. While Dancing With the Stars presents itself as a joyful celebration of growth and achievement, this incident reveals the complicated reality for participants who don’t fit the expected mold of winners. For Bones, who approached the competition with genuine enthusiasm and work ethic, the years of subtle and not-so-subtle criticism from those within the DWTS community have transformed what should have been a career highlight into a source of ongoing hurt. His decision to return the trophy serves as a reminder that behind the glitter and glamour of reality television are real people with real feelings, navigating the sometimes harsh judgment of both the public and their peers. Whether this gesture leads to reconciliation or marks a final break between Bones and the Dancing With the Stars franchise remains to be seen, but it certainly opens a window into the emotional complexity that can lie beneath the surface of entertainment competitions.