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Hilaria Baldwin is keeping things classy after her surprising elimination from Dancing With the Stars earlier this season — even addressing whether she thought she was eliminated “unfairly” ahead of people who should have “gone home before her.” This week, the 41-year-old mother of seven filled in for Tori Spelling on the misSPELLING podcast. She talked about her experience on season 34 of DWTS, but what piqued our interest was what she said about being voted off in week six ahead of other competitors like Andy Richter. Many fans were shocked by the result, but Baldwin doesn’t hold any grudges (despite her claims of being “bullied” off of the show). When a listener asked whether she and Gleb Savchenko, 42, were “unfairly cut from the competition” and if other contestants should have gone home first, Baldwin took the high road. “I’m all peace and love and namaste,” she said. “I wanted everyone to keep dancing together, but it’s a competition, and somebody has to go home.” The yoga instructor and wellness advocate admitted that while the competitive nature of DWTS can be tough, she’s grateful for the experience, and for the friendships she made along the way. Richter, 59, is still in the competition despite consistently low judges’ scores. The comedian has won viewers over with his enthusiasm and sense of humor. “I think he has such a pure sweetness and genuineness to him that he brings to the show and it’s refreshing to see,” a fan on Reddit gushed. “He’s the type of celebrity that in my mind is what the show is created based on. I know he’s not the greatest dancer but you can tell he listens to the judges opinions on what he needs to work on and fix and you can see the progress each week because he really does do the work.” But Baldwin takes no issue with that. “I love watching Andy Richter improve,” she said. “He’s just a joy to watch.” Ultimately, Baldwin believes the show is about more than technical skill. “Every single partner on there, whether they got eliminated first or they’re going to win, is valid,” she added. “Dancing is about entertainment and enjoying it. This isn’t about who’s the best dancer—it’s about whose journey you’re watching.”
