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Witney Carson is facing criticism from Dancing with the Stars fans tied to text messages she exchanged with husband Carson McAllister about competitor Dylan Efron and his brother, Zac Efron
McAllister previously texted his wife, "Zac Efron is here," to which she responded, "I saw! They are trying to get votes," according to screenshots shared online of the now-deleted message thread
Carson won season 34 of DWTS with partner Robert Irwin
Witney Carsonis facing criticism from fans tied to a now-deleted social media post.
The pro dancer, 32, shared a text exchange with her husbandCarson McAllister, in which they critiqued Carson'sDancing with the StarscompetitorDylan Efronand his brother,Zac Efron.
According to severalRedditpoststhat featured screenshots of the now-deleted social media post of the text messages, McAllister, 32, messaged his wife, "Zac Efron is here," to which she responded, "I saw! They are trying to get votes."
Fans called out Carson and McAllister for the comment. "I love Witney but that's a littleeeee crazy," one person wrote online.
"I'd bet everything I have that the only reason Zac never went to watch Dylan (until last week) is to avoid this specific situation: being uncredited for the work and progress he made this season and people saying he only moved on [because] of Zac," they continued.
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One other person commented, "You text those things to your hubby to get it out … you don't then post said texts to your social media page 🤦♀️."
Many also called out Carson and McAllister for being hypocritical, given herDWTSpartnerRobert Irwin's sisterBindi Irwinand momTerri Irwinboth appeared on the show, and his late father,Steve Irwin, was mentioned often.
Some fans did defend Carson and McAllister, though, including one who said, "I don't think there's anything wrong with this and was not said in a shady way lol."
They further explained, "Every celeb contestant will use any connection they can to get votes 🤷♀️ and like it was an unspoken thing that they were holding out on Zac being there to drum up suspense for when he'd finally show."
Another added, "I mean, she's not wrong. They're all trying to get votes. It's a competition! Maybe I just don't see it but I don't get what's so wrong about the text, it didn't even sound snarky (to me)."
Representatives for Carson, Dylan and Zac did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Saturday, Nov. 29.
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Carson and Irwin, 21, won season 34 ofDWTSon Nov. 25. Dylan, 33,placed fourthin the competition alongside his partner Daniella Karagach.
Alix Earleplaced second andJordan Chilescame in third place.
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At the end of the competition, Dylan told PEOPLE, "I think I did something I never thought I would or could, and I think that's what I'm feeling is I easily could have gone my whole life without ever experiencing this, and I'm so happy I did."
"I'm so happy Dani was my partner. I wouldn't have changed a single thing," he added.
As for Carson, shetold Robert, "I feel like I've been so proud of you week to week, and just to see you shine has been one of the biggest highlights in my life, and I just am so, so proud of you."
Dancing with the Starswill return in 2026.
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