Selma Blair Exits ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Over MS Health Concerns
Selma Blair had to drop out of this season of Dancing with the Stars due to health concerns related to her MS diagnosis, the actress said Monday (October 17) night. Blair, 50, has competed strongly on the series over the past five weeks, but her body “has taken a hit,” she said. The Cruel Intentions actress first shared she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018 and last August revealed she was in remission.
During Monday’s DWTS episode, Blair revealed to her dance partner Sasha Farber, “I’ve been monitored… I had these MRIs and the results came back, and it just all adds up to: I can’t go on with the competition. I’ve pushed as far as I could. With a chronic illness, you do have special considerations and my body has definitely taken a hit. It’s way too much for the safety of my bones. There’s just intensive bone trauma and inflammation, among rips and tears, so I could do extensive damage that of course, I do not want.”
Wanting to finish with one last “beautiful” dance with Farber, Blair said ahead of her waltz, “This is a dance for everyone that has tried and hoped that they could do more, but also the power in realizing when it’s time to walk away. I am so, so grateful to be able to do one last gentle dance.”
Today, Blair took to Instagram to reflect on her time on DWTS writing, “What this show has given me is beyond measure in spirit life. What my partner @sashafarber1 has gifted me, a sense of self in my body, will be forever felt. What you all have shown me is love. Precious love. And I will spend my days returning the swell of grace. Each celebrity and pro has embraced me with the love of family. I am so honored. So truly honored. I weep with genuine appreciation. And gratitude. What an evening to remember. I will perfect this waltz Sasha so thoughtfully gave me. And I will dance it with wisdom and ease and great serenity. When my knee and hip heal. And I will remember these steps under a full moon of memory. With love.”
Cruel Intentions co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar shared a photo of her and Blair on Instagram account after the announcement, captioning it with a heartfelt message expressing gratitude and appreciation for their friendship: “Long before @dancingwiththestars I knew you were a ten, and now the world knows. Selma I’ve never been so proud of you (and I’m often proud of you) You make the rest of us believe that we can do anything. That we can never give up,” Gellar wrote. “I will miss getting to watch the happiness radiate from Selma each week as she stepped on stage with you. Thank you for that gift. And speaking of gifts- @selmablair your love and friendship is the greatest gift. I love you Blair.”
Multiple sclerosis, known as MS, is an autoimmune disease that impacts the brain and spinal cord that disrupts communication between the brain and other parts of the body, according to the Mayo Clinic. Its exact cause is unknown. It can cause vision loss, pain, fatigue and impaired coordination.
The official Twitter account for the National MS Society wrote to Blair, “Your journey on @officialdwts might have come to end, but you continue to inspire the nearly 1 million people with MS in U.S. and countless millions around the world.
Thank you for continuing to share your journey with MS.”
.@SelmaBlair,
— National MS Society (@mssociety) October 18, 2022
Your journey on @officialdwts might have come to end, but you continue to inspire the nearly 1 million people with MS in U.S. and countless millions around the world.
Thank you for continuing to share your journey with MS.
The MS Associaton of America also praised Blair writing, “For inspiring, for advocating, for dancing-”
For inspiring, for advocating, for dancing-
— MS Assoc. of America (@MSassociation) October 18, 2022
Thank you, @SelmaBlair https://t.co/2DpSeAsuua
