Ryan Lochte interrupted by protesters during ‘Dancing With The Stars’
Image: abc
Protesters rushed the stage of Dancing With The Stars on Monday to confront swimmer Ryan Lochte, forcing ABC to cut to an unscheduled commercial break.
Lochte and his dance partner were in the midst of receiving a critique from judge Carrie Ann Inaba when she told some people repeatedly to “back off” as staff can be seen and heard moving toward the stage.
Here’s the clip that aired of the @RyanLochte stage attack on #DWTS. pic.twitter.com/mX1CuRoVwS
Frank Costa (@feistyfrank) September 13, 2016
The actual rushing of the stage didn’t make it to air, but subsequent photos on Twitter show the assailants were wearing anti-Lochte shirts.
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A group of protestors wearing the same shirts were in the audience, who can be heard chanting “liar, liar” before they were ushered off set, as shown in an Instagram video by former swimmer Eddie Moses.
Anti-Lochte protestor tackled to the ground at #DWTS pic.twitter.com/ATWrFb34nK
Patrick Gomez (@PatrickGomezLA) September 13, 2016
This is the cause of the #DWTS disruption. More to come. pic.twitter.com/0AMkY6P2a1
George Pennacchio (@abc7george) September 13, 2016
It isn’t clear what the exact motive of the protesters was. Some Twitter users, however, speculated that it was related to the robbery saga that happened during the Rio Olympics.
How lucky for the nutjob who went after Lochte tonight to be the only human alive to have never ever made a mistake. #MustBeNice #DWTS
Kate Coyne (@KatePeople) September 13, 2016
What Ryan Lochte did in Rio is in no way a good enough reason to rush him and put his partner in harms way. #DWTS
Forgot abour Dre (@__regina_george) September 13, 2016
Yes, Ryan Lochte made a mistake. But he OWNED UP TO IT. To physically go after someone while they’re on a TV show is messed up #DWTS
bri? // 39 (@dylanftjmw) September 13, 2016
When Dancing With The Stars returned from a commercial break, a shaken Lochte was interviewed by host Tom Bergeron about the “strong emotions” out there, and how it made him feel.
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“So many feelings are going through my head right now,” Lochte said. “I’m a little hurt. I came out here and wanted to do something I am completely not comfortable with. And I did, and I came out here with a big smile and have the best fan support here.”
Weak explanation after commercial from #DWTS when Ryan Lochte seemingly rushed by a fan. pic.twitter.com/xINw91fszB
Erik Hall (@HallErik) September 13, 2016
A LAPD spokesperson confirmed to Mashable that two men were arrested and charged with trespassing CBS property. Mashable alsoreached out to ABC for comment, but the company did not immediately respond.
UPDATE: Sept. 13, 2016, 2:20 p.m. AEST Added Instagram video from Eddie Moses.
UPDATE: Sept. 13, 2016, 3:02 p.m. AEST LAPD confirms two men were arrested in the incident.
Read more: http://mashable.com/2016/09/12/lochte-dancing-stars-protest/