Ryan Lochte reacts to 'DWTS' protesters: "It felt like someone took my heart out and tore it to shreds"

Ryan Lochte is still in shock over what just happened on the Dancing With the Stars live show.

During his live judges’ critique, protesters wearing anti-Lochte shirts crashed the DWTS while Carrie Ann Inaba was talking to him and his pro partner
Cheryl Burke, causing security to intervene. Though viewers at home did not see the ordeal, security could be seen running across the bottom of the screen.

Moments after the live show ended, the Olympic swimmer has opened up  about what had just transpired and his emotions.

“Slowly, slowly been able to breathe,” Lochte told ET afterward.

The 32-year-old, who is currently serving a 10-month suspension from USA Swimming following his Rio scandal, was candid about his feelings in the moment and credited Burke for keeping his eye on the prize.


“Honestly, it felt like someone just reached inside, took my heart out and tore it to shreds,” Lochte said. “I was really hurt when I saw that and I was in shock. But I looked at Cheryl and she just smiled and said, ‘You just did what you said you can’t do. You danced in front of millions.’ And I was like, ‘You’re right.’”

The scary moment isn’t going to deter Lochte from competing his heart out for the mirror ball trophy. In fact, it may have helped focus him even more.

“So you know what? I’m gonna keep moving forward and put this behind me and I’m gonna better myself every day and just you know, came here what I came where to do and dance,” he added. “I’m gonna dance.”

Burke, who said she was “beyond proud” of how Lochte handled the tense situation.

“It’s insane,” the 32-year-old dance pro said “We’ve worked so hard and I just want Ryan to have a positive experience. This is what this show is all about.”

Derek Hough, who helped throw out the anti-Lochte protesters, was unbelievably supportive of Lochte and his calm demeanor in the midst of those chaotic few minutes.

“I felt the energy in the room change. I’m really sensitive to that, honestly. I got really defensive, not just for Ryan but for the ballroom, for the show,” he said.

A BBC Worldwide Productions spokesperson addressed the incident in a statement on Monday night, saying, "Two individuals stormed the dance floor tonight and were immediately subdued and escorted out of the building. The matter is now being handled by the authorities."





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