Why did Christi Lukasiak leave 'Dance Moms'? Lifetime star returns to host ‘Epic Showdowns’ after ‘traumatic’ experience
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Christi Lukasiak is ready to serve as the host of Lifetime's new compilation series 'Dance Moms: The Reunion' which is set to premiere on May 1, 2024, at 10 pm ET exclusively on Lifetime.
During her time on 'Dance Moms', Christi was seen clashing with Abby Lee Miller, mainly over the preferential treatment of Maddie Ziegler and the unfair treatment of her daughter Chloe Lukasiak.
The Lukasiak family decided to leave both the reality show and the dance studio following a heated altercation between Abby and Christi in the episode 'Hollywood Here We Come, Part 2.'
While the episode portrayed the argument differently, Christi later disclosed that Abby had mocked Chloe's medical condition instead of simply calling her "washed up". This incident ultimately led to the Lukasiaks' departure from the show and the studio.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Christi mentioned being “traumatized” by the show's dance instructor Abby Lee Miller. Along with this, she also spoke about Abby's prison sentence.
Miller was convicted of bankruptcy fraud and was subsequently sentenced to serve a prison term of 366 days.
“I wasn’t [surprised]. I've known Abby for a very long time, so I can't say I was really surprised... there’s a lot of history there. We're not friends any longer, I'm sorry to say," Christi said.
Christi stated that she has been deeply affected by the ongoing drama involving Miller, describing her state as "traumatized". On the other hand, her daughter Chloe Lukasiak holds a contrasting perspective, as she reveals her gratitude for the entire experience.
“Only because I'm a huge believer that everything happens for a reason. So, I think I was meant to have that good and bad experience and learn and grow from it. It definitely gave me thick skin, which is crucial for this industry," she told the media outlet.
What has 'Dance Moms' star Christi Lukasiak been up to lately?
After leaving 'Dance Moms', Christi has shifted her focus to other projects, including the creation of Adulting 101, a program designed to assist young adults in navigating the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Apart from this, Christi is a member of YourMomCares, an organization for celebrity mothers that was founded to support children's mental health by funding innovative solutions to mental wellness challenges.
She has two podcasts: 'Back to the Barre', where she and her friend Kelly Hyland discuss episodes of 'Dance Moms' and share behind-the-scenes stories, and 'Christi's Couch,' where she openly talks about her experiences, offers advice on growing up, reflects on her own mistakes, and motivates women to improve themselves.
Christi Lukasiak feels grateful for 'all the love and support' she receives due to 'Dance Moms'
During a conversation with Theonlinerocket.com, Christi expressed her gratitude for the love and support she receives as a result of her involvement in 'Dance Moms'.
"Um, goodness. Thank you for all of the love and support over the years keeping Dance Moms alive. It’s crazy that the show had premiered 12 years ago, and it still has such a place in pop culture," she told the media outlet.
The Lifetime show star added, "And I mean, every time I go on TikTok, there’s a new five year old trend that is somehow Dance Moms related. We appreciate you guys and it’s really fun to see. I’m sure you may have watched it when you were younger, but it’s fun to see people come back and watch it as they’re older now, because I feel like now you have a new appreciation for the moms."
"When you were younger, you probably liked the girls. Maybe you appreciate Kelly and I a little bit more now. And yeah, I mean, it’s just it’s crazy. That there’s been so much buzz still around something that really would never be made in 2023," she continued.
Christ went on to say, "That show could never be made in today’s culture. Yes, very controversial. However, we get a tiny bit of a pass because it’s older but still, I’m always apologizing for bad behavior from a decade ago. I’ve grown. I recognize a lot of those mistakes for sure."
Christi Lukasiak recaps some explosive moments in 'Dance Moms: Epic Showdowns'
For those who are not familiar, 'Dance Moms: Epic Showdowns' is an exciting and highly anticipated compilation series produced by Lifetime that will feature captivating moments from the popular reality TV show, 'Dance Moms.'
In this thrilling series, Christi Lukasiak, a prominent figure from 'Dance Moms,' takes on the role of recapping and analyzing some of the most explosive and unforgettable moments from the show.
Each episode of 'Dance Moms: Epic Showdowns' will be packed with entertainment, drama, and behind-the-scenes revelations, making it a must-watch for fans of the original show. It promises to be a captivating and immersive experience that will keep audiences glued to their screens, eagerly awaiting the next installment.
'Dance Moms: Epic Showdowns' is set to drop on May 1, 2024, at 10 pm ET on Lifetime.