“Dancing With the Stars” contestant Jen Affleck is quickly becoming one of the season’s most talked-about competitors. The 26-year-old influencer, who rose to fame on TikTok before starring in Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” returned to the spotlight just weeks after giving birth in July. Now, she’s balancing grueling rehearsals, long hours in the studio, and life as a mom of three while competing on the hit ABC show.
Jen Affleck Inspires Postpartum With ‘DWTS’ Debut, But Julianne Hough’s Comment Steals The Spotlight
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Her resilience has impressed fans online, especially after she revealed she once ran the New York City Marathon three months postpartum. “With my second baby, I ran the New York City Marathon three months postpartum,” she told Yahoo. “So I thought, ‘You know what? If I can do that, I think I can do this!’”
But while Affleck’s journey is inspiring viewers, it was a comment from host Julianne Hough after Affleck’s first performance that stole the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
The Question That Sparked Backlash
After Affleck wrapped her opening dance, Hough asked, “How did you feel after, just clearly, giving birth and getting out here on the dance floor?”
The phrasing set social media ablaze. TikTok users immediately clipped the moment and flooded the comments with criticism. “‘Clearly’ giving birth was wild,” one viewer wrote. Another added, “I think it’s the comment ‘clearly’ — she should’ve worded it differently. Recently, not clearly.”
Others accused Hough of being flat-out insensitive. “I think Julianne owes Jen an apology honestly, that was so rude,” one person said, while another simply asked, “Clearly?????”
Some defended Hough, speculating that she was referencing something said on the dance floor earlier. “So I am going to assume that maybe she said ‘clearly’ because they had just mentioned it down there??” they questioned. “Idk Julianne had some weird questions last night lol.”
Who Is Jen Affleck?
Affleck isn’t new to sharing her life online. She first gained traction for lighthearted clips of herself dancing on kitchen countertops before joining the viral “MomTok” group of Mormon moms from Utah. That notoriety led to Hulu’s reality series “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” where she became one of the standout personalities.
On “DWTS,” Affleck is showcasing a different side of herself. Between five and eight hours of daily rehearsals leave her physically drained, but she still documents the experience for her followers, often with one of her kids in tow. In one viral clip, a stroller can be seen in the background as she perfects her routine.
Dancing Through The Criticism
Instagram | Jen Affleck
Despite the drama surrounding Julianne Hough’s comment, Jen Affleck made sure the spotlight ultimately belonged to her and her partner, Jan Ravnik. The pair hit the ballroom floor for a lively Salsa to Bad Bunny’s “NuevaYol,” marking not only Jen’s “DWTS” debut but also Jan’s first turn as a pro after previously touring as a backup dancer for Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour.”
“I have no dancing experience besides being Latina and just growing up dancing … at parties,” Jen told Yahoo. “That’s really the only experience I have. That and dancing on countertops.”
‘DWTS’ Judges Praise Jen Affleck’s Post-Baby Debut
The performance drew cheers from the crowd and admiration from the judges. Derek Hough told Jen he “can’t believe” she had just welcomed a baby in July, praising her “great” first outing while noting that the lifts slowed things down. Bruno Tonioli encouraged her to loosen up and “go through the steps” because, as he reminded her, “You’ve got it!”
Jen later confessed that “it’s a lot and my body hurts,” but she added that her motivation comes from her family. “I’m doing it for my kids so they can do this too.” With a score of 12 out of 20, Jen and Jan landed in the middle of the pack, but their chemistry and determination have fans rooting for them.
With many more episodes to go, it remains to be seen who will claim the trophy this season.
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