“Dancing With the Stars” contestant Jen Affleck is rapidly changing into one of many season’s most talked-about rivals. The 26-year-old influencer, who rose to fame on TikTok earlier than starring in Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” returned to the highlight simply weeks after giving delivery in July. Now, she’s balancing grueling rehearsals, lengthy hours within the studio, and life as a mother of three whereas competing on the hit ABC present.
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Jen Affleck Evokes Postpartum With ‘DWTS’ Debut, However Julianne Hough’s Remark Steals The Highlight
Her resilience has impressed followers on-line, particularly after she revealed she as soon as ran the New York Metropolis Marathon three months postpartum. “With my second child, I ran the New York Metropolis Marathon three months postpartum,” she instructed Yahoo. “So I assumed, ‘ what? If I can try this, I believe I can do that!’”
However whereas Affleck’s journey is inspiring viewers, it was a remark from host Julianne Hough after Affleck’s first efficiency that stole the highlight for all of the improper causes.
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The Query That Sparked Backlash
After Affleck wrapped her opening dance, Hough requested, “How did you’re feeling after, simply clearly, giving delivery and getting out right here on the dance flooring?”
The phrasing set social media ablaze. TikTok customers instantly clipped the second and flooded the feedback with criticism. “‘Clearly’ giving delivery was wild,” one viewer wrote. One other added, “I believe it’s the remark ‘clearly’ — she ought to’ve worded it otherwise. Lately, not clearly.”
Others accused Hough of being flat-out insensitive. “I believe Julianne owes Jen an apology actually, that was so impolite,” one individual stated, whereas one other merely requested, “Clearly?????”
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Some defended Hough, speculating that she was referencing one thing stated on the dance flooring earlier. “So I’m going to imagine that possibly she stated ‘clearly’ as a result of they’d simply talked about it down there??” they questioned. “Idk Julianne had some bizarre questions final evening lol.”
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Who Is Jen Affleck?
Affleck isn’t new to sharing her life on-line. She first gained traction for lighthearted clips of herself dancing on kitchen counter tops earlier than becoming a member of the viral “MomTok” group of Mormon mothers from Utah. That notoriety led to Hulu’s actuality sequence “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” the place she turned one of many standout personalities.
On “DWTS,” Affleck is showcasing a distinct aspect of herself. Between 5 and eight hours of each day rehearsals depart her bodily drained, however she nonetheless paperwork the expertise for her followers, usually with considered one of her children in tow. In a single viral clip, a stroller might be seen within the background as she perfects her routine.
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Dancing By way of The Criticism
Regardless of the drama surrounding Julianne Hough’s remark, Jen Affleck made certain the highlight in the end belonged to her and her associate, Jan Ravnik. The pair hit the ballroom flooring for a energetic Salsa to Unhealthy Bunny’s “NuevaYol,” marking not solely Jen’s “DWTS” debut but additionally Jan’s first flip as a professional after beforehand touring as a backup dancer for Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour.”
“I’ve no dancing expertise moreover being Latina and simply rising up dancing … at events,” Jen instructed Yahoo. “That’s actually the one expertise I’ve. That and dancing on counter tops.”
‘DWTS’ Judges Reward Jen Affleck’s Put up-Child Debut
The efficiency drew cheers from the gang and admiration from the judges. Derek Hough instructed Jen he “can’t consider” she had simply welcomed a child in July, praising her “nice” first outing whereas noting that the lifts slowed issues down. Bruno Tonioli inspired her to loosen up and “undergo the steps” as a result of, as he reminded her, “You’ve received it!”
Jen later confessed that “it’s loads and my physique hurts,” however she added that her motivation comes from her household. “I’m doing it for my children to allow them to do that too.” With a rating of 12 out of 20, Jen and Jan landed in the course of the pack, however their chemistry and dedication have followers rooting for them.
With many extra episodes to go, it stays to be seen who will declare the trophy this season.
