Conner Leavitt looking thoughtful after his elimination from Dancing With the Stars
Reality TV

Conner Leavitt Breaks Silence on DWTS Ouster: 'So Embarrassed'

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives reality star reacts to becoming the first celebrity booted from the ballroom alongside pro Adele Zaikman.

By Dee AlvarezPublished Updated 2 min read

The ballroom floor can be a brutal place, and Conner Leavitt is learning that lesson the hard way. The reality television star is getting completely honest about his swift departure from the latest season of *Dancing With the Stars*, admitting that taking an early exit left him feeling deeply mortified. Leavitt made his debut on the iconic competition series alongside pro dancer Adele Zaikman, but their time under the glitterball lights was cut drastically short. After failing to secure enough viewer votes and high judge scores, the duo became the very first couple sent packing this season.

Why Was Conner Leavitt Eliminated First Getting eliminated in the opening round is a tough pill to swallow for any celebrity contestant. Leavitt, who rose to prominence on Hulu's hit reality series *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, reportedly did not hold back when addressing his feelings about being sent home right out of the gate. According to reports, the television personality confessed that the experience of going home first was genuinely humiliating after devoting so many hours to intense choreography training. Placing at the bottom of the scoreboard during week one left him grappling with a major blow to his pride. Navigating the instant pressure of live TV dance routines is no easy feat for beginners. Despite hitting the rehearsal studio hard, Leavitt and Zaikman simply could not construct enough momentum to beat out the rest of the star-studded cast.

How Did Conner Leavitt React To Leaving DWTS While the pain of an early boot is still fresh, Leavitt expressed deep appreciation for his professional partner. Reports indicate that he praised Adele Zaikman for her guidance, patience, and dedication throughout their quick journey on the dance floor. Leaving the show early means missing out on weeks of elaborate themed nights, flashy costumes, and potential redemption arcs. However, Leavitt is already looking ahead as he processes the setback, taking the high road despite his disappointment over the premature exit. With his ballroom days officially behind him, the reality star is returning to his normal routine while leaning into his existing fan support. Being the first contestant eliminated is never the goal, but Leavitt is determined not to let a short-lived dance career define his television journey.

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The backstory

Verified moments, in order.

Conner Leavitt: The Marriage, Family and Reality-TV Scrutiny

Conner’s public story is tied to wife Whitney Leavitt and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

  1. Conner and Whitney marry

    Conner marries Whitney Leavitt. Their marriage and growing family later become part of Whitney’s social-media presence and reality-TV storyline.

  2. Flashpoint

    A hospital dance video brings backlash

    Whitney posts a TikTok dance filmed beside the couple’s infant son, Liam, while he is hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. The video draws criticism over her decision to dance on camera during his hospitalization.

  3. 2024-09-06Flashpoint

    Their marriage becomes a reality-TV storyline

    The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives premieres with Whitney among its central cast members. The first season brings Conner into the spotlight as the couple discuss his past Tinder use and its impact on their marriage.

  4. 2024-10

    The family welcomes a third child

    Conner and Whitney welcome Billy Gene, their third child. The baby joins older siblings Sedona and Liam after the family’s first season in the reality-TV spotlight.

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People also ask

Why was Conner Leavitt eliminated from DWTS?
Conner Leavitt and his professional partner Adele Zaikman were eliminated after earning the lowest combined total of judges' scores and audience votes during the first elimination.
Who is Conner Leavitt?
Conner Leavitt is a reality TV personality known for appearing on Hulu's viral unscripted series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.