Jackson Olson says there is no lingering bad blood between him and fellow Dancing With the Stars contestant Guillermo Rodriguez after a social media comment sparked criticism and prompted a public apology.
The Savannah Bananas player, 28, explained that he spoke privately with Rodriguez after his remark about the Jimmy Kimmel Live! personality’s dancing drew backlash online. Olson told E! News after the Oct. 6 taping that he went to Rodriguez’s trailer and the two talked for roughly 30 minutes before moving past the situation.
Olson says the pair cleared the air
The controversy began after Olson commented on a social media video that recreated one of Rodriguez’s performances. His remark questioned how another performer appeared to reproduce the routine after only a short period of practice. The comment was subsequently deleted, but screenshots and discussion around it quickly circulated among fans of the ABC competition.
Olson later apologized publicly, saying he was sorry that his comment had generated negativity. He also shared a lighthearted video of himself dancing with Rodriguez, a gesture designed to show viewers that the two contestants had already reconciled behind the scenes.
In his follow-up interview, Olson emphasized that their friendship had continued throughout the competition and that the private conversation helped settle the issue directly. The update offered a clearer picture than the online speculation surrounding the original comment.
Rodriguez remains focused on the competition
Rodriguez, 55, has been competing with professional dancer Witney Carson during season 35. His performances have generated significant online conversation, but both Rodriguez and Carson have stressed the work going into their routines and their commitment to remaining in the competition.
The episode is also a reminder of how quickly comments made during a high-profile reality competition can take on a life of their own. With contestants sharing rehearsal clips, reactions and behind-the-scenes moments across social media, even a short remark can become part of the week’s storyline.
For Olson, the response was to address the criticism rather than let the issue continue. His public apology and private conversation with Rodriguez appear to have brought the dispute to a close.
The ballroom moves forward
Both men remain part of a season that has already produced plenty of unexpected storylines. The Oct. 6 episode featured a Mariah Carey theme and another elimination, keeping the focus on the competition even as off-camera conversations attracted attention.
Olson’s latest comments suggest the relationship between the two contestants is intact. Rather than fueling a new rivalry, the moment has become an example of two cast members handling a disagreement directly and moving on while the season continues.