Julia Stiles Silences Andy Cohen's Dancing Critique with DWTS Debut

Key points

• Stiles scored 18/30 with pro partner Ezra Sosa on a quickstep to Dolly Parton's '9 to 5' during the Season 35 premiere.
• Cohen apologized on Watch What Happens Live, admitting he was the last person to critique her dancing and praising her performance.
• Stiles stated she stopped formal dance training after Save the Last Dance due to public expectations and used Cohen's criticism as motivation.
• Judge Derek Hough mocked Cohen by shouting 'Eat it!' after the performance, while Bruno Tonioli called Stiles a 'great dancer.'
• Stiles aims to win the Mirrorball Trophy and return to Cohen's show to confront him, per Page Six.

Background

Stiles joined DWTS Season 35 in August 2026, with her casting announced alongside a diverse cast including Guillermo Rodriguez and Amber Glenn. The season premiered over two nights in September, featuring a same-sex pairing and returning hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough. Stiles had previously clarified that her Juilliard audition in Save the Last Dance was performed by a body double, as she trained at Columbia University.

How outlets are covering it

TV Insider and Page Six emphasize the public apology and Cohen's self-deprecating 'Jackhole' segment, while The Cut frames the incident as a potential 'beef' between the two. Us Weekly highlights Stiles' emotional response to Tonioli's praise and her husband's support at home. All outlets agree on the 18/30 score and the quickstep to '9 to 5,' but differ on the tone: TV Insider and Page Six focus on the apology, while The Cut questions if the conflict is ongoing. Us Weekly notes Stiles' focus on positive feedback despite the controversy.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the impact of public criticism on performers and the power of reality TV to create viral moments. Stiles' use of Cohen's jab as motivation underscores how media narratives can influence competitive performance, while Cohen's apology reflects the accountability expected of public figures in the age of social media.

What to watch

Stiles and Sosa will compete in the second week of DWTS Season 35, performing routines to viral hits. Stiles aims to win the Mirrorball Trophy and return to Watch What Happens Live to confront Cohen. The competition continues with eliminations and new challenges, as Stiles seeks to prove her dancing skills and rediscover joy in dance.