Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Ryan Lochte is one of the most famous names in the industry, especially because of his tremendous contributions and performances at the Summer Olympics. And yet, his commendably decorated swimming career didn’t take long to nearly crumble down after his“exaggerated”claims about the infamous alleged robbery incident at the Rio Summer Olympics.
The Time Ryan Lochte’s Controversy Affected HisDancing with the StarsDebut
2016 wasn’t the best of the years for the third-most decorated swimmer in Olympic history measured by the total number of medals, Ryan Lochte. Initially, he ended up garnering international controversy after he, along with three other American swimmers, reportedly claimed to have been pulled over and robbed by armed men with police badges during their time in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the 2016 Summer Olympics (viaThe New York Times).
However, later, after an extensive investigation, it was revealed that the“armed robbers posing as police”were actually security guards at a gas station where these swimmers had reportedly urinated outside the bathroom and Lochte also allegedly vandalized a sign. Reports fromUSA Todayfrom one of the swimmers suggested that“money was demanded from the Americans by armed men in order for the swimmers to be allowed to leave.”
But before these events pursued and cleared the matter, Lochte was seen performing his debut for the reality TV showDancing with the Starson the premiere of season 23.
The Golden Bachelorette: We Are Worried About Joan Vassos’ TV Time With a Contestant Who Allegedly Treated His Ex-girlfriend Very Badly
However, this event couldn’t quite settle peacefully as, during Carrie Ann Inaba’s critique of the Olympic swimmer’s performance, 2 protestors allegedly took to the stage to scream“Liar!”at Lochte, in reference to his claims about the Rio Summer Olympics event (seeABC News).
Of course, this controversial event didn’t help Lochteclear his name. The two men, identified as Sam Sotoodeh and Barzeen Soroudi, were arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor trespassing before being released from jail to appear in court. While the protestors defended themselves by saying they simply wanted to express their feelings about the Olympian’s involvement with the show, it was followed by Lochte coming clean about his statements.
While Ryan Lochte ended up eventually getting back on track and just managing to save his professional swimming career, 2016 also seemingly granted him support through this hard time – not only from his friends and family but alsofrom theDancing with the Starsfamily, as the celebrity took to his Instagram handle to share and express his gratefulness for.
Ryan Lochte Still Earned Support From theDWTSFamily After Controversial Debut
Even though his debut turned out to be rather controversial because of the affairs that ensued during the event, it seems like Lochte still earned the support of the ABC reality TV show team nonetheless. In an Instagram post shared via his handle@ryanlochte, he expressed his gratitude towards the same as he took time out to thank“my family, girlfriend, friends, and fans for being so supporting to me”after his infamous debut. Lochte wrote:
When I was asked to do the show, the one thing that I kept hearing was that it was like joining a big family. After Monday’s incident, I now know what that means. I have gotten so much love from everyone on the show, including my partner Cheryl, my fellow competitors, the producers, the security team, and its fans. I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the show, and more than ever, I am dedicated to my new family and to working hard to do my best.
“2024 really has been the year of the downfall of MrBeast”: MrBeast’s Hollywood Image is in Serious Trouble After Disturbing Details About His $5 Million Reality Show Come Out
All of this being said, it’s commendable how the legendary swimmer earnedso much love and support within such little time, despite the unfavorable turn of events. From what it seems like, Ryan Lochte must have truly appreciated that generous backing up from hisDWTSfamily till he and his partner and professional dancer Cheryl Burke were eliminated during Week 8 of the competition, finishing overall in 7th place.
Dancing with the Stars can currently be streamed on ABC platforms and Disney+.
Mahin Sultan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2478
Mahin Sultan is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, where she brings a fresh perspective to entertainment news. Having been in the field for over 3 years now, she has already written more than 2,000 articles across a variety of niches, from entertainment to health and fashion. This diverse experience has allowed her to quickly build a solid foundation and a deep understanding of the industry.
