Did Alix Earle Throw Subtle Shade at 'DWTS' Winner Robert Irwin?
TikTok’s reigning queen has fans convinced she is still salty about her runner-up finish on the dance floor.
By Rae MitchellPublished Updated 2 min read
The ballroom drama might not be entirely in the rearview mirror after all. Social media sleuths are firmly convinced that TikTok powerhouse Alix Earle delivered a subtle swipe at wildlife advocate Robert Irwin, nearly a year after going head-to-head against him on the glittery dance floor. The chatter ignited after the *Earle Meets World* host released new content looking back at her intense experience on *Dancing With the Stars*. Earle ultimately finished in second place during her run on the popular reality competition, watching Irwin take home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. But her latest remarks have left eagle-eyed viewers suspecting that the runner-up finish still stings a bit.
Alix earle dancing with the stars shade drama
Watch
Clips tied to this story.
Followers instantly began dissecting Earle's statements across TikTok and X, claiming her candid reflections contained a hidden jab directed at the ultimate season winner. While the lifestyle influencer avoided mentioning Irwin explicitly by name, fans wasted zero time linking her thoughts on judges' scoring and fan voting dynamics back to that tense, high-stakes finale night. For months during the broadcast, loyal followers believed Earle was destined to carry home the trophy. Her high-energy routines, paired with a massive digital empire boasting millions of dedicated supporters, made her an undisputed frontrunner every single week. When the final votes were tallied and Irwin emerged victorious, it sparked endless arguments among viewers regarding how much social media clout actually sways reality TV results.
Did robert irwin deserve to win dwts over alix earle
Irwin's triumph was celebrated by traditional ballroom fans who fell in love with his bright personality, charm, and steady physical progression throughout the grueling broadcast schedule. On the flip side, Earle's passionate fanbase felt their favorite creator was robbed of a historic moment on mainstream network television. Neither Earle nor Irwin has stepped forward to clarify the recent online commotion or address whether any real friction exists behind the scenes. Whether the creator was merely sharing honest frustration about the intense pressures of live competition TV or serving up intentional shade, fans are clearly keeping the rivalry alive online.
The photos · 5
The backstory
Verified moments, in order.
Alix Earle: From Get-Ready Videos to the Ballroom Final
Acne confessionals build her following, a podcast expands her business, and resurfaced racist posts force an apology. Then comes a dance-floor finish in second place.
The beauty routine gets personal
While studying at the University of Miami, Earle breaks through with get-ready-with-me videos mixing makeup with college life. Her candid accounts of acne and treatment become a signature, offering something beyond the finished face.
- 2023-05
Graduation closes the college chapter
Earle graduates from the University of Miami with a business degree in marketing. The student whose nights out help fuel her following now makes influencing her full-time career.
- 2023-09
Her personal life becomes a podcast
Earle launches Hot Mess with Alix Earle through Alex Cooper’s Unwell Network. Dating, friendships and nights out move into a longer format, making her own life the continuing subject of the business.
- 2024-08-26Flashpoint
Resurfaced racist posts bring an apology
Earle apologizes after screenshots circulate showing her using a racial slur in social-media posts made when she was 13. She acknowledges the language and says her age does not excuse it.
- 2025-11-25
The ballroom ends with second place
Earle and professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy finish as runners-up in season 34 of Dancing with the Stars. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson take the title—the result behind the later scrutiny of Earle’s reactions to the winner.
More like this
Reality TV
'Mormon Wives' Star McCall DaPron Faces Backlash Over JFK Assassination Halloween Outfits
The reality personality silenced her Instagram comments after followers expressed outrage over her family's historical tragedy attire.
14h ago
Reality TV
Inside Kim Kardashian and the Kardashian-Jenner Clan's Most Iconic Halloween Looks Over the Years
From high-fashion transformations to coordinated family spectacles, the reality TV dynasty always dominates spooky season.
Oct 30, 2026
Reality TV
Khloé Kardashian Outlines Strict Dealbreakers for Her Next Romance
The reality star got completely candid about cosmetic surgery and bedroom expectations during a chat with sister Kim.
Oct 29, 2026
Get the pop news brief
One daily email. The biggest celebrity, music and TV stories, no filler.
People also ask
- Did Alix Earle win Dancing With the Stars?
- No, Alix Earle came in second place during her season of Dancing With the Stars, losing the Mirrorball Trophy to Robert Irwin.
- Why do fans think Alix Earle shaded Robert Irwin?
- Viewers analyzed recent comments Earle made about her time on the show, interpreting her critiques of the scoring and voting process as a low-key diss toward Irwin.
Reader reaction
No comments yet — be the first to weigh in.