Julia Stiles Responds to Andy Cohen's Critique on Dancing With the Stars
Actress Julia Stiles defended her dancing on "Dancing With the Stars" after Bravo host Andy Cohen questioned her abilities, prompting a public exchange and an on-air apology from Cohen.
Julia Stiles pushed back against Bravo executive Andy Cohen's remarks about her dancing during Wednesday's episode of "Dancing With the Stars." The actress, who appeared as a contestant with partner Ezra Sosa, said she stopped taking dance classes after starring in the 2001 film "Save the Last Dance" because audiences expected her to be a flawless dancer. When Cohen asked, "Can we all just agree that Julia Stiles is not the greatest dancer on the planet?" Stiles replied that she intended to win the Mirrorball trophy and sit on Cohen's "Watch What Happens Live" couch.
Host Derek Hough later supported Stiles, commenting after their Quickstep performance to Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" that Cohen could "eat it." The pair received a score of 18 out of 30. Cohen later apologized on his own program, stating, "I am so sorry. I am the last person who should be giving anyone feedback on their dancing," and praised Stiles for her performance.
Stiles had previously told Entertainment Weekly that the expectations set by her early film role made her self-conscious about dancing, and she entered the competition to rediscover confidence and enjoyment in dance.