The show Dance Moms was a huge hit. It was one of the most successful reality shows, and it followed the lives of children dancers under the teaching of Abby Lee Miller. Drama between the moms and Abby Lee was really what got everyone hooked, probably because they could relate. A lot of moms put their children in dance class, and while it is supposed to be for fun, there can be a lot of drama and bullying within those dance walls. While we thought we saw it all, there were some instances that are only coming to light now.
Abby Lee Miller is known for getting into a bit of trouble, both on the show and in her personal life and her past is coming back to haunt her. Lifetime, the network Abby has worked with for years, has dropped any partnership with the dance teacher. According to Deadline, the network has announced that they are no longer going to be going forward with the new show, Abby’s Virtual Dance-Off series that was announced back in April. They also will not be welcome Abby back to Dance Moms if the show is renewed for another season.
This comes after allegations were made against Abby for racist remarks by one of the Dance Moms. It all started when Abby posted a Blackout Tuesday Instagram post in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, and a former mom decided this was her chance to speak out. The mom was Adriana Smith, who is the mother of season 8 dancer, Kamryn.
She took this opportunity to address the experience she had with Abby Lee Miller. She quoted a statement that Abby had made, “I know you grew up in the hood with only a box of 8 crayons, but I grew up in the Country Club with a box of 64 crayons – don’t be stupid. This to me shows that you think you are better than me and in higher rank and all together superior to ME!” Abby has been known for saying some pretty tough and cruel things to the dancers, but this crossed a line.
Adriana also stated that her daughter had also overheard Abby say that the only reason she was on the show in the first place was for a “sprinkle of color.” It didn’t take long for other dance moms to have their said in defense of Adriana and Kamryn.
Camille Bridges accused Abby of racial stereotypes when she said that she was always trying to insinuate that Kamryn was the “poor one” and would always put her in Afros for dances.
Abby did post an apology on her Instagram page, “I realize that racism can come not just from hate, but also from ignorance. No matter the cause, it is harmful, and it is my fault. While I cannot change the past of remove the harm I have done, I promise to educate myself, learn, grow, and do better.
While I hope to one day earn your forgiveness, I recognize that words along are not enough. I understand it takes time and genuine change.” Many doubt the sincerity of this apology.