Julia Stiles had a strong response after Andy Cohen previously questioned her dancing abilities. The actress impressed the Dancing With the Stars judges during the season premiere. Her performance also prompted Cohen to apologize during his own Wednesday broadcast.
Julia Stiles answered Andy Cohen’s criticism after impressing the Dancing With the Stars judges
Stiles addressed Cohen’s past comments after performing with professional partner Ezra Sosa. Her quickstep earned 18 out of 30 points from the DWTS judges. Judge Derek Hough also had a pointed message for Cohen afterward.
Hough joked that Cohen could “eat it” after watching their routine. He called Stiles’ performance “beautiful and graceful” during the live broadcast. Stiles later referenced Hough’s comments when speaking with US Weekly.
“Derek said it best,” Stiles told the publication after Wednesday’s show. Her brief response came after Cohen had criticized her dancing in the past. The actress had previously recalled Cohen discussing her dance performances.
Stiles became associated with dancing through films including 10 Things I Hate About You. She also starred in the dance-focused movie Save the Last Dance. Her DWTS appearance gave her another chance to showcase those skills.
The actress also received praise from fellow judge Bruno Tonioli. Tonioli told Stiles that she was a “great dancer” after her performance. Stiles admitted she was surprised by the compliment.
“I was so, like, having an out-of-body experience,” Stiles said. “He said I was a great dancer?” she continued after hearing Tonioli’s praise. She also said she planned to replay the compliment later.
Stiles explained that performers can sometimes focus heavily on criticism. “Sometimes performers we only hear the critique,” she said. She added that she wanted to “take the positive” from the experience.
Cohen later apologized to Stiles during Wednesday’s episode of Watch What Happens Live. Meanwhile, Stiles and Sosa are preparing for another week of competition. Their latest performance gave the actress plenty of positive feedback to carry forward.
