Robert Irwin Accused of Using Father Steve to Win DWTS, Daniella Karagach Allegedly 'Very Upset'

Robert Irwin's Dancing With the Stars triumph is now at the centre of an online frenzy, after a TikTok clip alleging pro dancer Daniella Karagach looked 'uncomfortable' during the finale went viral.

The video, posted recently, fuelled rumours that Irwin's emotional tributes to his father, the late Steve Irwin, swayed public votes — claims that remain entirely unverified and unsupported by any major news outlet.

Neither Irwin nor Karagach has commented, and producers have issued no statements, leaving the speculation driven purely by social-media interpretation.

TikTok Video Fuels Claims of Tension

The discussion stems from a TikTok clip posted by user @famefiles12, which shows Karagach standing beside Irwin as he reacts to being crowned champion. The video's creator suggests that the dancer displayed 'impatience' and avoided joining a group celebration, an interpretation that quickly sparked speculation across TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).

However, the clip provides no verified context, and no credible outlet has reported any tension between the pair. Dancing With the Stars routinely captures candid on-stage reactions, many of which viewers have previously misinterpreted. Karagach has not addressed the claims, and the DWTS production team has issued no statement.

Speculation Focuses on Steve Irwin Tributes

Much of the online commentary centres on Irwin's repeated tributes to his late father, wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin. Throughout the season, Irwin incorporated personal references into several routines, including wearing Steve Irwin's trademark khaki shirt for his debut dance.

While many viewers praised the performances as heartfelt, some social media users suggested that the emotional storytelling may have influenced public voting. The TikTok video claims Irwin 'used' the tributes to gain sympathy, an accusation that remains entirely speculative and unsupported by any official reporting. Personal storylines have long been a common feature of the DWTS format.

The narration also references a rib injury Irwin discussed before the finale, implying it may have affected audience sentiment. No verified source has confirmed this as a factor, and DWTS has not commented on the injury claims.

Speculation Expands to Betting Odds and the Show's Scoring System

The viral TikTok further alleges that multiple betting platforms lowered Robert Irwin's odds days before the finale, presenting him as the likely winner. Betting trends are influenced by audience engagement, judges' comments, and social media activity, but no betting company has suggested irregularities, nor has any reputable outlet reported suspicious voting patterns.

The clip also hints at the possibility of a 'scripted' outcome, an allegation with no evidence. Although DWTS frequently faces online debate about its scoring system, no official concerns have been raised regarding Robert Irwin's season.

Fans Continue to Celebrate Irwin's Win

Despite the online speculation, many viewers have continued to applaud Irwin's performances and growth throughout the competition. Supporters argue that his emotional routines reflect his long-established public connection to his father, not a calculated attempt to influence votes.

Karagach, known for her professionalism across multiple seasons, has remained silent, leaving interpretations of her expression to social media users rather than official reporting.

With no statements from Irwin, Karagach, or DWTS, the discussion around the finale remains driven solely by unverified social media claims rather than factual evidence.

For now, the controversy circles back to where it began — a single TikTok clip with no confirmed evidence behind the claims.