“Dance Moms,” the reality show that launched dancers like JoJo Siwa and Maddie Ziegler into the spotlight, has never been controversy-free. Dance teacher Abby Lee Miller, in particular, has faced accusations of bullying and racism from her young starlets, and served jail time following a bankruptcy fraud conviction. But Siwa has always stood up for her former mentor, crediting her success to Miller. “It makes me really, really upset that I am one of the few — there’s only a few people — that really truly thank Abby, and are thankful and grateful for what she’s done for us. Because without her, ‘Dance Moms’ wouldn’t be a thing,” Siwa told ET in 2020.
That same year, Siwa squared off with Christi Lukasiak after the former Dance Mom accused Gianna Martello, one of the show’s choreographers, of bullying her daughter Chloe Lukasiak. “That is absolutely the most disgusting ignorant thing I have ever heard anyone say,” Siwa told her TikTok followers, praising the choreographer’s personality and her work ethic. Christi responded with her own TikTok, clarifying that her daughter and Siwa were not on the show at the same time. “If she had an amazing, positive experience then I’m really happy that’s how it went,” she added. “I honestly just wish mine had been a little similar.”
Nicki
