DWTS’ Witney Carson Responds After Her Kids Face Criticism on Flight
Dancing With the Stars professional Witney Carson is responding to criticism after her children were shamed during a recent flight.
“Quick question for you all, and please be honest — is it fair to ask a child to be silent for the entire 13-hour journey?” Carson, 32, asked in her Instagram Stories on Sunday, January 25. “[My son] Jet was having fun and laughing with me, and we were told to be quiet because a man in front mentioned he was trying to rest.”
Carson and her husband, Carson McAllister, recently took their two sons — Leo, 5, and Jet, 2 — on a vacation to Australia to visit her Dancing With the Stars season 34 partner, Robert Irwin. (Carson and McAllister, 32, reside in Florida between DWTS seasons.)
“I understand that there might be times when we should keep the noise down, but it was the middle of the day,” Carson commented. “I’m all for the idea of worrying about what you can control and just putting in some ear [plugs]. Am I being unreasonable?”
In a follow-up post, Carson revealed that a flight attendant allegedly “kept shushing” her son throughout the trip.
“I approached [the flight attendant] and asked if there were specific times when we needed to maintain silence, and we’d comply,” the pro dancer noted. “If not, I can’t expect my kids to be quiet for 13 hours. Alright, I’m done.”
While Carson didn’t disclose how the flight attendant responded to her inquiry, she and McAllister didn’t allow the experience to ruin their dream getaway in Australia.
“You guys… I’m feeling a little emotional writing this while driving away from the zoo. Our time here at @australiazoo has been nothing short of magical,” Carson posted on Instagram earlier this month. “From meeting these wonderful animals to stepping out of our cabin and seeing kangaroos every morning, to experiencing so many firsts together as a family, this is something I’ll cherish forever.”
Carson further commended Irwin, 22, for “devoting so much energy and time” planning their family adventures. (Robert, along with his mother Terri Irwin and sister Bindi Irwin, manages the Australia Zoo in honor of late father Steve Irwin.)
“It was so enjoyable to see you in your element; we are incredibly proud of you and everything you represent,” Carson added, referring to Robert. “The food and accommodation at @crocodilehunterlodge were remarkable, officially making it a bucket-list experience.”
Carson, who welcomed Leo and Jet in 2021 and 2023, respectively, has often defended herself against mom-shamers over the years.
“I generally receive positive feedback, which is wonderful, but I do face a couple of negative comments like, ‘You shouldn’t do that with your baby. You shouldn’t hold your baby this way. You shouldn’t allow your baby to sleep like that,’” Carson told Us Weekly in February 2021. “Little things like that… I haven’t responded yet, but if anyone were to comment about Leo, my mama bear instincts would definitely kick in.”
