Tom Bergeron Reflects on “Betrayal” That Led to His DWTS Exit

And during the same conversation, in response to the casting choice, Tom recalled suggesting he take the season off, only to have the showrunner and producer on the phone say they could let him out of the three-season contract he’d recently signed if he preferred it.

“And that really pissed me off,” Tom noted, explaining it was this move that led him to releasing his 2019 statement regarding the White House alum’s casting—a move he clarified he would have made even if the contestant had been of his preferred political party. 

So when Sean’s casting was announced on Good Morning America, Tom remembered, “My phone started blowing up. People were outraged. At that moment I knew, this was probably my last season. Because of that one betrayal. Because I’d been lied to by people who were in charge. Up until that point, there were people of character there.”

E! News has reached out to ABC and Dancing with the Stars for comment but has not heard back yet. 

The Americas Funniest Home Videos alum would eventually part ways with the competition show in 2020, ahead of the series’ 29th season.

He tweeted at the time, “Just informed [Dancing With the Stars] will be continuing without me. It’s been an incredible 15 year run and the most unexpected gift of my career. I’m grateful for that and for the lifelong friendships made. That said, now what am I supposed to do with all of these glitter masks?” 

This year, Dancing with the Stars entered its 32nd season. Keep reading to see which celebs are gracing the ballroom.