Reality show judges are known for their caustic remarks, but when model Charlotte McKinney signed up for Dancing With The Stars, little did she imagine that her intelligence - and not her dancing capabilities - would be questioned on the popular show.
The program is in its 20th season and sees celebrities from different walks come together to compete for the title of the best dancer.
On the March 30 episode of the show, which had Latin Night as its theme, Charlotte, along with partner Keo Motsepe, performed the rumba.
Charlotte managed to narrowly escape elimination in the first and second week, before being booted off the show this time around.
Charlotte's performance did not go down too well with the judges. The performance was more of posing and a little bit of rumba, giving the judges the opportunity to jump on the duo. Charlotte was criticized by the judges for her "lack of concentration." She garnered 22 out of 40 points. This was incidentally tied for the lowest score of the night, landing Charlotte in the bottom two.
However, what was uncalled for was judge Bruno Tonioli's harsh comment, which reeked of a misogynist attitude.
"You're never going to win the Nobel prize for quantum physics, but you are easy on the eyes and you produce wonderful shapes," critiqued Tonioli.
Aghast by his words, the crowd and other judges reacted quickly, asking Tonioli to only judge the dancing. This prompted Tonioli to mouth a hurried "I'm sorry!"
Tom Bergeron, the host, tried to lighten the atmosphere by telling Tonioli off that he wasn't in any danger of winning the Nobel either, to which Tonioli admitted: "No! No! And I don't look that good either."
However, angry fans were not placated and took to Twitter to vent their ire against Tonioli:
Charlotte may not be a physicist, but she knows how to button her shirt, Bruno. Your bellybutton, sir, is showing. @DancingABC #DWTS
— Molly Harper (@mollyharperauth) March 31, 2015
Oh @BrunoTonioli such an ill advised "quantum physics" comment. Why didn't u really disrespect her & call her a dumb blond!Not nice #DWTS — Doug Lyda (@major1029) March 31, 2015
Charlotte, on the other hand, took the elimination sportingly.
"I learned so much. I'm extremely grateful. This has been such a challenge," said Charlotte.
Photo: Disney / ABC Television Group | Flickr
