'Dancing With The Stars': Tyra Banks slammed for making Jeannie Mai's escaping Vietnam story 'about her'

Jeannie Mai opened up about her journey to the US and fans are not happy with Tyra Banks' comments
PUBLISHED OCT 20, 2020
Tyra Banks / Brandon and Jeannie (ABC)
Tyra Banks / Brandon and Jeannie (ABC)

Jeannie Mai has been vocal about her journey, and in the latest episode (October 19), she did not hold back in opening up about her journey to the US. The television host revealed her family fled to the US right after the Vietnam war. Jeannie admitted it had not been easy as when they were trying to escape, the Vietnam army got wind of it and started shooting at them. 

While they managed to escape that, their worst fears came to life when Jeannie's uncle realized that the boat was filling up with water. He managed to rescue the boat and her family was saved by the US army. Jeannie revealed she wanted to achieve the American dream, and she is happy to finally have that with her. 

As the performance started, Jeannie tried her best to control her emotions. One could see that she was teary-eyed as she performed the song. Taking inspiration from what had happened, Jeannie made sure her performance had all the emotions. As the song started, she did not fail to bring an emotional touch to the performance while making sure all the moves were sharp. 

The judges were impressed by the performance and did not hold back from letting Jeannie know that. Derek Hough admitted that it was a good performance and he fell in love with her sharp leg moves. Bruno Tonioli noted that Jeannie's performance was sensual and she did a good job. 

Meanwhile, Carrie Ann Inaba too thought that it was a wonderful performance. Carrie Ann and Derek gave her an 8 while Bruno gave a 9. While Jeannie had a good score, fans could not stop talking about Tyra Banks' comments. Seeing Jeannie emotional, Tyra admitted she had some tears in her eyes as well. At the same time, when Jeannie spoke in Vietnamese, Tyra commented on being shocked to see Jeannie speak in her language. Fans thought she was calling for attention. 

One user wrote, "NOT TYRA SAYING 'I DIDNT KNOW YOU WERE A POET' WHEN JEANNIE MAI WAS SPEAKING VIETNAMESE THANKING HER FAMILY FOR ESCAPING VIETNAM TO GIVE HER A BETTER LIFE." Another added, "Shew Tyra, GURL. Don't make Jeannie's moment about you. The fake tears dried up real fast didn't they?"

Another user commented, "Tyra: Jeannie you're crying for your family tonight..."I'm crying toooooo!" "Not Tyra acting shock that Jeannie speaks her own language she literally just told us her background," a viewer tweeted.



 



 



 



 

'Dancing With The Stars' airs on Mondays at 8 pm ET on ABC. 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

‘Doc’ Season 2 finale delivers an emotional twist for Dr. Joan Ridley, leaving fans heartbroken while teasing a possible return in Season 3.
5 hours ago
While it can be described as a filler episode of sorts, 'The Boys' Season 5 Episode 3 sets the tone of what to expect in the remaining five episodes.
8 hours ago
Season 23 of 'NCIS' is set to end in a dramatic fashion when the finale episode will air on May 12, as CBS releases its synopsis.
9 hours ago
‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2 Episode 5 reveals the consequences of Bullseye's attack on Vanessa Fisk and sets up Daredevil and Fisk to fight again.
9 hours ago
After the recently concluded Season 29, Maroon 5 singer announced his return to 'The Voice' Season 30 and talked about more in an exclusive interview.
10 hours ago
CBS is reportedly developing a new medical spinoff set in the ‘Fire Country’ universe following ‘Sheriff Country’s success.
10 hours ago
Rosario Dawson's Claire Temple/Night Nurse was introduced in Season 1 of 'Daredevil'
13 hours ago
The series focuses on Stacy Clyburn and her family's journey through loss and grief as they settle into southwest Montana's Madison River valley
15 hours ago
Season 1 premiered as a binge release on March 4, and continues to be one of the most watched shown on the platform
20 hours ago
The unfortunate production delay could have an impact on the 2027 release window of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Season 2.
1 day ago