'Dancing with the Stars' Season 23 Cast: Ryan Lochte Still On After Olympic Vandalism Scandal?
Recent report reveals that Lochte initially signed a deal with the ABC network before his Olympic controversy surfaced.
Ryan Lochte has once again found himself in the headlines, but this time, for a different reason. Rumor has it that he is set to tread uncharted territory soon. The swimming champ will try his hand (or in this case, his feet) at ballroom dancing.
A report revealed that Lochte initially signed a deal with the ABC network before his Olympic controversy surfaced. And despite his having been embroiled in a scandal just about two weeks ago, the network has continued to support the swimmer. The same report also said that Lochte will join Season 23 of "Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS).
However, as of this writing, ABC is still keeping mum on the subject. According to the network, they will be announcing the full cast of the upcoming DWTS season via "Good Morning America" on August 30.
The rumor about Lochte joining DWTS came out after four sponsors dropped their support for the gold medalist on Monday. This was just a few days after Lochte's made-up robbery tale made it to the news.
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The Rio fiasco
Initial reports stated that he and three other teammates were supposedly abducted by men wearing badges while they were in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the Olympics. CCTV footages later showed that no such thing happened, leading authorities to conclude that Lochte just fabricated his account.
In an interview with NBC journalist Matt Lauer, he admitted his mistakes and told him that he "over-exaggerated" the story.
He confessed that he was under the influence of alcohol when he answered an interview hours after the incident, which may have been the reason why he told a different version.
Lochte: no TV series stranger
Lochte is not exactly a TV newbie as he had appeared on shows like "30 Rock" and "90210" before. He also starred in E! Channel's "What Would Ryan Lochte Do?".
"DWTS" 411
"Dancing with the Stars" is a television dance competition which aired its pilot episode in 2005. Dancing veterans Tom Bergeron and Erin host the show. DWTS is the American adaptation of Europe's "Strictly Come Dancing".
DWTS Season 22 featured football player Antonio Brown, actress Mischa Barton, singer Wanya Morris, and philanthropist Marla Maples.
Season 23 of DWTS will premiere on September 12.
