Ryan Lochte attends a press conference during the Main Press Center on Day 7 of the Rio Olympics on August 12, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo : Getty Images/Matt Hazlett)
The Season 23 premiere of "Dancing with the Stars" has featured a surprising event when Ryan Lochte protesters stormed the stage after the Olympian's performance. A latest report has shared some interesting details about the incident that were not shown on previously released video footages.
The ABC celebrity dance competition's premiere episode for its Season 23 run has shocked many fans. Several reports have shared a glimpse of the incident that marred Lochte's "Dancing with the Stars" debut. A reporter has recounted her experience as an audience member during the show's season premiere, E!News reported.
E!News correspondent Alessandra Mortellaro recalled some of the confusing and shocking moments following Lochte and his "Dancing with the Stars" partner Cheryl Burke's performance. She wrote that the two celebrities looked relieved after performing their dance number for the show's judges. However, the mood soon changed when a man suddenly ran towards the stage.
Mortellaro commented that she, along with other audience members, thought that the said scene may be part of a planned skit. Although they soon realized that something bad happened when security personnel tackled the man to the ground. The audience were also shocked when a second man came running towards the stage. The two men were screaming "liar," as security escorted both individuals off the stage.
It appears that the two men were referring to Lochte's Rio Olympics scandal. The swimmer has received some backlash over his statement where he claimed that he was held at gunpoint at a gas station in Rio. The athlete is already facing a 10-month suspension following the said Rio incident.
Meanwhile, the E!News reporter stated that she and other audience members also became confused when a row of Lochte protestors stood up to accuse the Olympian of being a liar. Although Derek Hugh soon appeared and demanded the protesters to leave. Mortellaro added, "I sat there shaking. It all happened so suddenly. I didn't know what to think."
On the other hand, a spokesperson from BBC Worldwide Productions shared in a statement issued to USA Today that they plan to make some changes to the show's security measures. The representative mentioned that they have already started a full review of its security protocols to ensure the safety of the cast and crew members, as well as the show's audience.
Watch a clip of Lochte's "Dancing with the Stars" stage ambush that was released by ABC:
