Stephani Sosa Accidentally Injures Contestant from DWTS: Next Pro
Ezra Sosa’s sister, Stephani Sosa, found herself in the middle of an incident on Dancing With the Stars: Next Pro that led to a contestant’s quick exit.
During the episode on Monday, July 27, of the ABC show, Stephani unintentionally struck Natalie Jolley in the face while they practiced choreography as a group. Stephani was unaware that her arm had swung into Natalie’s face until she noticed Natalie beginning to cry.
Natalie expressed that she felt dizzy as one of her eyes began to swell shut. Stephani later clarified in a confessional that she hadn’t realized she had injured Natalie.
“I’m not sure what happened. The dance progressed so quickly, and unfortunately, Natalie got hit in the face,” she shared. “I just hate that I caused this. I feel terrible. I know she’s put in so much effort to be here, and I genuinely hope she’s alright. … I just care.”
Natalie was removed from rehearsals by production to receive medical assistance. An ambulance was eventually summoned after Natalie mentioned difficulty breathing through her nose.
“It hurts really badly,” she said, with producers comforting her that the medical team would assist, saying, “They’ll provide you with some pain relief, alright? Just try to breathe slowly.”
Natalie did not return to perform her group dance on DWTS: Next Pro. Instead, judge Shirley Ballas informed the group that no one would be eliminated due to Natalie’s health issue interfering with her ability to continue on the show.
“Tonight was the last dance for … neither of you,” she said. “After Natalie’s injury, she was not medically cleared to compete, so she has been eliminated. This means you will all have the chance to dance another day.”
Despite her sudden exit, Natalie was given the opportunity to say farewell.
“I’m truly saddened and disappointed that I can’t proceed in this competition, but the most important thing is prioritizing my health so I can dance again,” she expressed. “I love all of you immensely and will miss you all. Thank you so much.”
Before DWTS: Next Pro debuted on ABC, Stephani spoke exclusively to Us about the pressure of competing while her brother is already a pro on Dancing With the Stars. (Stephani was previously part of the DWTS troupe during season 33.)
“Honestly, I felt like I was treated like everyone else,” she mentioned earlier this month. “The experience was challenging. I felt like there were higher expectations for me simply because I am Ezra’s sister.”
Stephani emphasized that she “had a lot to prove,” adding, “I approached it saying, ‘Yes, I’ve done this. I am Ezra’s sister, but this is a new chapter.’ I’m determined to prove myself completely, and there are no excuses.”
Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro airs on ABC Mondays at 8 p.m. ET. Stream new episodes the following day on Hulu.
