Sean Spicer, the former White House Press Secretary, has spoken out in response to remarks made by Tom Bergeron, erstwhile host of “Dancing With the Stars,” wherein Bergeron expressed his dissatisfaction with the casting choices made by the show’s producers.
In a heartfelt conversation with The Post on Tuesday, Spicer, 52, expressed his admiration for Bergeron’s hosting skills, sharing that he had “always thought Tom was a great host”. Spicer, who was a participant in Season 28 of the show and remains an enthusiastic viewer, conveyed his enjoyment of both his own experience and the ongoing season.
This exchange of words comes on the heels of Bergeron’s appearance on Cheryl Burke’s “Sx*, Lies, and Spray Tans” podcast, where he did not mince words about his feelings regarding Spicer’s casting.
Bergeron, 68, recounted how he had cautioned the show’s producers, urging them to avoid divisive casting decisions that could alienate the show’s audience. Despite his plea, the producers remained resolute in their decision to cast Spicer.
Bergeron's Staunch Casting Stance
Bergeron, maintaining his stance, declared that he would have opposed the casting of any politically polarizing figure, regardless of their political affiliation. He even went so far as to offer to take a hiatus from the show during Spicer’s tenure, a proposal that was met with the option for him to exit his contract with the show altogether.
This left Bergeron feeling slighted and propelled him to publicly voice his displeasure, making it abundantly clear that he believed the show had strayed from its escapist roots. Post the casting announcement, Bergeron recalls receiving a barrage of complaints from viewers, a development that solidified his decision to part ways with the show.
He announced his departure in July 2020 via a tweet, expressing gratitude for the 15-year journey and the relationships forged along the way. Spicer, on the other hand, during his time on the show, appealed to the viewers to set aside political biases and enjoy the show for its entertainment value.
He emphasized the diversity of the cast and the camaraderie shared among the contestants, underscoring the show’s potential to unite viewers across political lines, even if just for a brief respite. Spicer, partnered with pro-dancer Lindsay Arnold, finished in sixth place during his season. “Dancing With the Stars” continues to captivate audiences, airing every Tuesday at 8 p.m. on ABC.