Abby Lee Miller responded to allegations regarding the Abby Lee Dance Company by calling her former students “ungrateful,” according to an interview with Los Angeles news station KTLA. The remarks follow years of public scrutiny surrounding the eight-season run of the reality television series Dance Moms, which ran from 2011 to 2019.
Miller Credits Herself for Student Success
During the KTLA interview, Miller defended her studio and her methods, asserting that her former dancers owe their careers to her instruction. “They would not be where they are today without the show. And someone should learn to say thank you,” Miller stated, according to KTLA. “I think they’re just very ungrateful.” Miller maintained that even independent of the television series, her training directly shaped the professional paths of multiple performers currently working in the entertainment industry. “I have a lot of successful students. I have a kid on Broadway, another director, producer, choreographer on Broadway,” Miller said. “I have kids that are out there working in the industry constantly.” She added that other former students and their parents remain proud of their time at the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania studio, claiming those families recognize the value of their education.
Former Cast Members Describe Trauma and Distance
The response addresses a wave of criticism from former cast members who have spoken out since the show ended. According to reports from various media outlets, several dancers who appeared on the program—some as young as six years old—have stated they experienced emotional and physical trauma while working with Miller. While many of the former cast members have said they no longer have any contact with Miller; however, they are grateful for the opportunities she gave them. The tension surrounding past experiences was highlighted ahead of a two-hour reunion special that aired in 2024. That production featured original stars such as Chloe Lukasiak and JoJo Siwa, while Miller was notably absent. At the time of the reunion, a source told People that several cast members specifically requested Miller’s exclusion so they could “speak their minds more openly.” The source added, “At this point, everyone has gone through different eras, had time to reflect and there’s been a lot that Abby put them through emotionally and physically and they just didn’t want to relive that.”
Did you know? Dance Moms ran for eight seasons from 2011 to 2019, with over 200 episodes produced, turning young competitive dancers into viral pop culture figures before widespread discussions emerged about the mental health of children in reality television.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Abby Lee Miller say about her former students?
According to her interview with KTLA, Abby Lee Miller called her former students “ungrateful” and stated they would not have achieved success without her instruction and the platform provided by Dance Moms.
Why was Abby Lee Miller absent from the Dance Moms reunion?
According to a source speaking with People, several former cast members requested Miller’s absence from the 2024 reunion special so they could discuss their experiences more openly without reliving past emotional and physical hardships.
How long did Dance Moms air?
Dance Moms aired for eight seasons from 2011 to 2019, with over 200 episodes produced.
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