Protesters interrupt Ryan Lochte’s ‘Dancing With The Stars’ segment

MANILA, Philippines – Two men stormed the stage after Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte’s performance on Dancing With The Stars (DWTS).

Lochte performed on Monday, September 12 for the first episode of the show’s 23rd season, together with his pro partner Cheryl Burke.

After the performance, the camera focused on judge Carrie Ann Inaba, who was starting to give the pair feedback on their performance, when she cut off her own comments, saying, “Excuse me. Hey, back off!”

A commotion could be heard in the background and security guards passed by.

The camera then cut to host Tom Bergeron who cut to a commercial break: “I’ll tell you what, let’s take a break then we’ll get the rest of the judges’ comments. Take a deep breath. We’ll be right back.”

WFTV news anchor Greg Warmoth posted a video of the incident on his Facebook page. WFTV is an Orlando-based news channel affiliated with ABC, the same network that airs DWTS.

According to E! News, two men wearing anti-Lochte t-shirts rushed onstage while Carrie Ann was giving her comments. A whole row of people were wearing shirts with Lochte’s name and a “no” symbol on top stood up when it happened.

E! News also reported that Cheryl told Tom after the break, “I’m hurt for Ryan. He’s sweet, he’s kind. He’s working his butt off. I hope people give him a chance.”

Meanwhile, People reported that Cheryl was seen crying during the break while Ryan seemed shaken. “So many feelings are going through my head,” said Ryan after the commercial break.

Ryan is a 12-time Olympic medalist who made headlines when he claimed he and 3 other US Olympic swimmers were robbed at gunpoint during the 2016 Olympics.

Rather, it turns out they were detained at a gas station by a security guard after allegedly vandalizing the area. – Rappler.com