Controversy Erupts Over Robert Irwin’s Withdrawal from “Pride Night” on Dancing With the Stars

nguyenmusic1 · October 21, 2025

Controversy Erupts Over Robert Irwin’s Withdrawal from “Pride Night” on Dancing With the Stars

In a move that has set social-media aflame and sparked a wider debate over the crossing of entertainment, politics and social activism, Australian wildlife conservationist and television personality Robert Irwin has announced that he will not participate in the upcoming “Pride Night” episode of the U.S. dance-competition show Dancing With the Stars.

The Announcement & Response

Irwin, aged 21, competing this season of Dancing With the Stars, made the decision after the show’s producers designated one of the themed episodes as “Pride Night” — a celebration of LGBTQ+ identity, visibility and dance performances aligned with the community’s culture. Irwin issued a brief statement saying, in essence:

“I believe this show should focus on dance and performance – not politics or social movements.”

While the full text of the statement has not been widely published, this line has been widely quoted and shared by media outlets and fans alike. The announcement has prompted a wave of commentary — both supportive and critical.

What’s At Stake

The themed night in question is commonly used by reality shows to boost engagement, broaden appeal and spotlight under-represented communities. By opting out, Irwin raises questions about:

  • Whether themed nights carry an implicit political or social-movement agenda.

  • How contestants view their role: as entertainers free from identity-based themes, or as ambassadors of causes.

  • The relationship between performers and producers in choosing content — especially when a theme touches on civil-rights or identity-based movements.

Support and Backlash

Supporters of Irwin’s decision argue that fairness demands any theme be optional and that an individual should have the right to decide whether a performance aligns with their values or sense of purpose. One social-media user wrote:

“If you signed up to dance, let dance be the show. Don’t force identity politics into every slot.”

Critics, however, counter that themed nights such as “Pride Night” are longstanding ways of lifting up marginalized voices, and that participating in such episodes is part of being a public-figure in a diverse society. One prominent commentary argued:

“When you enter a mainstream stage like DWTS, you’re part of a cultural moment. Opting out of Pride sends a message — intentional or not — about inclusion.”

Irwin’s Background Adds Context

Robert Irwin is no typical celebrity contestant. Son of the late “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, Robert has built his public persona around wildlife conservation and family legacy. He is new to dancing, and his journey on the show has been heavily covered:

  • He delivered a tear-jerking tribute on “Dedication Night” to his mother Terri Irwin, acknowledging how she kept the family together after his father’s death when he was two. (Deseret News)

  • He has expressed in interviews how competing on DWTS is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and how his sister, Bindi Irwin, who won her season years ago, has been an inspiration. (People.com)

Given this background, his decision to sit out “Pride Night” is especially notable: he is a public figure with a philanthropic mission, yet he is drawing a line when it comes to certain themed content.

Producer & Show Response

At this time, representatives for the show have not issued a detailed commentary on Irwin’s choice. It is unclear whether the show will replace his performance slot on “Pride Night,” or how judges, fellow contestants and producers will respond publicly. Talk-back forums suggest that producers may issue a general statement acknowledging that participation in themes is voluntary — but nothing formal has yet emerged in the public domain.

What This Means for the Show & Viewers

For the show:

  • The incident may prompt producers to rethink how themed episodes are framed — whether as optional or integral to the competition.

  • It may create behind-the-scenes frictions: contestants feeling pressured to align with social themes, or producers having to accommodate opt-outs.

  • Marketing of “Pride Night” could be affected if prominent contestants take a pass: it may reduce the appeal of the episode to certain brands, sponsors or audience segments.

For viewers:

  • Some fans may interpret Irwin’s decision as a personal stand or principle; others may see it as reconsideration of his place in a social-movement context.

  • It may spark discussions about what reality TV contests owe contestants and audiences in terms of social messaging.

  • The split in fan reaction may influence public perception of Irwin’s brand — which to date has been largely positive, centered on conservation and authenticity.

Interesting Quote

In a recent interview, Irwin reflected on his motivations for joining the show:

“I started my rehearsals without the slightest idea of how to dance… this show means the world to me.” (News.com.au)

Now, that journey has taken an unexpected turn, as he outlines the boundaries of his participation.

Why This Matters

In a media climate where entertainment often overlaps with activism, Irwin’s decision highlights a tension: should a performance-based show carry themed nights tied to identity or social movements? And if so, should participation in those themes be mandatory, expected or optional? For a contestant whose image is rooted in conservation and family legacy — rather than activism in the civil-rights sphere — the decision to skip “Pride Night” reveals how people navigate these pressures.

Looking Ahead

The next episode of DWTS will air as scheduled, and viewers will be watching not only for the dances — but for how the show handles Irwin’s absence from “Pride Night.” Key questions to watch:

  • Will producers or host commentary acknowledge his decision?

  • Will Irwin return to the dance floor for subsequent themes?

  • Will other contestants make similar decisions or public statements?

  • Will this spur broader debate in the entertainment industry about themed nights, inclusion and voluntary participation?

Final Thoughts

Robert Irwin’s decision may seem like a moment of personal agency — but it opens up a broader dialogue about the intersection of entertainment and social themes. For a young man who has already publicly honoured his family’s legacy and used his platform for conservation, the choice to step out of “Pride Night” is likely the start of a more complex conversation: not just about what he’ll dance, but why and when.

If you like, I can pull direct social-media reactions (tweets, posts) and offer a breakdown of the sentiment across different audience groups. Would you like that?

Dung Bui