Savannah Bananas baseball player Jackson Olson posted a public apology to fellow contestant Guillermo Rodriguez on Oct. 6 after writing a since-deleted social media comment criticizing the Jimmy Kimmel Live! star's dancing skills on Dancing With the Stars.
The 29-year-old athlete, who is competing on season 35 of the reality dance competition alongside professional partner Emma Slater, published a video to Instagram set to the Hannah Montana song "Nobody's Perfect," which features the lyrics, "Everybody makes mistakes / everybody has those days." Halfway through the clip, Rodriguez joins Olson to show off their dance moves together.
Olson doubled down on his regret in the post caption, addressing his fellow competitor directly. "To G and to all of you, from the bottom of my heart I am so sorry about my comment I made the other day and that it caused this much negativity," Olson wrote. He added, "I love this guy, now let's do what this show is meant to be about.. DANCE. ily G."
Olson also recently shared how he is prioritizing his girlfriend, Maggie Sajak, amid his busy Dancing With the Stars rehearsal schedule.
TikTok Video Comment Controversy
The online controversy began after Olson left a comment on an Oct. 3 TikTok video uploaded by the Loco Beach Coconuts. In that video, player Erik Ostberg humorously recreated the Sept. 29 Yacht Rock Night routine performed by Rodriguez and his professional dance partner, Witney Carson.
Per Cosmopolitan, Olson allegedly commented on Ostberg's video: "@erikostberg21 but seriously how did you do this better than him with 2 hours of rehearsal." The comment was later deleted.
Despite the online drama, Rodriguez and Olson managed to put the matter behind them. Rodriguez and Carson have maintained their fan-favorite status among viewers on season 35. Carson is currently pregnant with her third baby with her husband, Carson McAllister, and she recently addressed claims alleging that she wanted to be eliminated alongside Rodriguez.
John Oliver Support and Fan Response
The pair's popularity was highlighted during the Oct. 1 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where late-night host John Oliver revealed that his family has become devoted fans of the competition because of Rodriguez. Oliver told Rodriguez that his 10-year-old and 8-year-old sons, whom he shares with wife Kate Norley, are completely hooked on season 35.
"My kids have never seen Dancing with the Stars before and are now obsessed just because of this guy here," Oliver told Rodriguez during the broadcast. "As soon as you get voted off that show, they're done with that program forever."
Oliver explained that his 8-year-old son watches the broadcast on Tuesdays but must go to bed before the judging and scores are announced. At 4:00 a.m. the following morning, the child walked in rubbing his eyes, leading Oliver to believe he had suffered a nightmare. Instead, the boy asked, "Is Guillermo still in?" When Oliver confirmed he was, his son cheered, "Yes! Yes!"
Season 35 Mirrorball Trophy Competitors
A full lineup of celebrity contenders is competing alongside Olson and Rodriguez this season, hoping to take home the Mirrorball Trophy on Dancing With the Stars.
Actress Julia Stiles, famous for starring in 10 Things I Hate About You, is saving the last dance for her professional partner Ezra Sosa. Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis is cha-cha-chopping her way onto the floor with partner Alan Bersten as she turns up the heat this season.
Former Glee actor Harry Shum Jr. is bringing his musical talents to the dance floor alongside pro Jenna Johnson. Former 90s teen heartthrob Taylor Hanson hopes to MMMBop his way to the top of the leaderboard on season 35 with partner Britt Stewart.
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actress Tatyana Ali is bringing her fresh moves to the ballroom with pro Jan Ravnik. Actress Jenna Dewan is stepping up to the challenge with Val Chmerkovskiy, two decades after starring in the hit movie Step Up.
Athletes and Reality TV Stars
2026 Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn is transferring her skills from the ice to the ballroom alongside partner Pasha Pashkov. Team USA Paralympic track and field athlete Ezra Frech is showing off his athleticism on the dance floor with partner Daniella Karagach.
Love Thy Nader star Sarah Jane Nader is trying her hand in the ballroom alongside partner Hailey Bills, following in the footsteps of her sister Brooks Nader, who competed on season 33. Comedian Connor Wood, known online as Fibula, is teamed up with Rylee Arnold and ready to earn more applause.
Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Conner Leavitt is dancing with Adele Zaikman, following in the footsteps of his wife Whitney Leavitt, who competed on season 34. Former Bachelor Nation star Tyler Cameron is trading in roses for rumbas alongside professional partner Sharna Burgess.
Savannah Bananas player Jackson Olson is bringing his diamond moves to the ballroom with partner Emma Slater, while Jimmy Kimmel Live! personality Guillermo Rodriguez is learning new moves with pro Witney Carson.
Preparations and Personal Manifestations
Summer House star Ciara Miller is prepping for her turn in the ballroom with professional partner Brandon Armstrong. Speaking exclusively to E! News in June, Miller opened up about preparing physically for the grueling rehearsal schedule.
"Looks are not indicative of being in shape," Miller exclusively told E! News in June. "I do huff and puff going up the stairs, so I gotta get back into the gym and work on my stamina."
Love Island UK alum Maura Higgins is paired with Mark Ballas, hoping her affection for the show carries her far after manifesting the opportunity. In May, Higgins disclosed to E! News how she planned for her appearance.
"I have a vision board and I redo it every year," Higgins told E! News in May. "This year is the first year that I stayed at home by myself on New Year's Eve. I did not go out at all. I made myself a bowl of pasta and a glass of red wine and I redid my vision board for the year. Dancing With the Stars was already on it from the year before. However, I added five more Dancing With the Stars on the board."
