Selma Blair, an American film and television actress best known for her roles in the 1999 drama ‘Cruel Intentions’ and 2001’s comedy ‘Legally Blonde’ is leaving early from her new role on Dancing With The Stars.
Blair is walking away from “Dancing with the Stars” due to her battle with multiple sclerosis, saying she’s “pushed as far as I could.”
The actress announced her leave from the reality dance competition on Monday night’s episode after she received MRI results that convinced her to exit.
Blair stated, “With a chronic illness, you do have special considerations, and my body is definitely taking a hit. It’s way too much for the safety of my bones. … I could do extensive damage that of course I do not want.”
She continued saying, “I’ll have to settle in and get back to being a mom and showing them I have to pull back on something that I love doing.”
Blair tearfully shared the news with her dance partner, Sasha Farber on Monday night’s episode before giving her final waltz performance.
“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,” Blair said.
Her co-star, Wayne Brady said, “It was [a] shock, pure unadulterated shock. I heard nothing about it going into it,” He told PEOPLE after the show. “And she lights up this competition.”
“Selma truly is the light that we’ve all gravitated to and we’re all close now,” he continued. “So, it’s a loss.”
In 2018, Blair was diagnosed with MS. The autoimmune disease can affect a person’s brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. She regularly records her battle with the illness through a documentary called “introducing, Selma Blair,” which premiered last year.
This is the 31st season of “Dancing with the Stars.” The show premiered last month on Disney+. Other contestants on Season 31 include singer Jordin Sparks, actor Wayne Brady, and reality star Teresa Giudice.
