Simone Biles Leaves Former ‘DWTS’ Host Tom Bergeron Speechless with Empowering Encounter

Tom Bergeron. Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

Tom Bergeron discussed a major error he made while hosting Dancing with the Stars, specifically involving Simone Biles. During season 24 of the reality show in 2017, Biles and her partner Sasha Farber received feedback from the judges. Bergeron recounted this incident during an episode of Cheryl Burke's "Sex, Lies and Spray Tans" podcast, released on Monday, October 16.

Bergeron observed that the judges' comments from Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman were a bit harsh, but Carrie Ann Inaba's remarks were highly favorable. According to Bergeron, the producer of DWTS whispered in his ear, "She didn't even smile when Carrie Ann gave compliments."

Instead of asking Simone, "What are your thoughts on the judges' comments? Carrie Ann was positive, but the other two were not," I had the producer's comment in mind and said, "I noticed you didn't smile." Bergeron recollected, "Now, which woman appreciates being told by a man, 'Hey sweetheart, smile!'"

Biles responded to his comment by cleverly stating, "Gold medals aren't won by smiling."

Bergeron humbly admitted that he was put in his rightful place during that moment. He shared with Burke how Biles even had a T-shirt made featuring her memorable quote. Reflecting on the situation, Bergeron expressed regret for not taking a moment to process what he had heard and then articulate it in his own words.

Simone Biles. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

The gold medalist finished in fourth place and did not win the mirrorball trophy, which has since been renamed the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in honor of the late judge. Biles shared her thoughts exclusively with We following her surprising elimination and described the experience as "a bit scary."

In his honest conversation with Burke, who was a professional on the show for 26 seasons, Bergeron also reminisced about a controversial comment made about Witney Carson after one of her performances in season 25 of the show.

Bergeron shared that following the dance, Frankie Muniz, the partner of the 29-year-old Witney Carson, acknowledged that he struggled to keep up with the steps, causing him to lose control of her.

Recalling the incident, Bergeron mentioned that he made a comment, stating, "Well you're not the first guy to say that," in reference to Carson's Mormon faith. He admitted that this remark elicited a gasp from the audience, instantly realizing his mistake and thinking, "Okay, I shouldn't have said that."

Bergeron was the host of DWTS from its premiere until season 28. He was then replaced by Tyra Banks for season 29. However, Banks has now left the show and Julianne Hough has returned to cohost with Alfonso Ribeiro.

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Simone Biles

Tom Bergeron

Dancing With The Stars