Dancing with the Stars Season 32 Casts Adrian Peterson Despite Past Child and Domestic Abuse Incidents
Dancing with the Stars has long drawn criticism for casting controversial figures, and this season’s roster has reignited that debate with the inclusion of former NFL running back Adrian Peterson. The decision to pair Peterson with professional dancer Britt Stewart has sparked backlash from viewers and former cast members alike because of Peterson’s past legal issues related to child and domestic abuse.
ABC announced the full cast this week on Good Morning America, naming Peterson among the celebrities set to appear on Season 32. His selection has prompted renewed discussion about the responsibilities of reality shows when they give a national platform to people with troubling histories.
In 2014, Peterson turned himself in to police in Texas and was charged with reckless or negligent injury to a child after an incident in which he disciplined his young son with a switch. At the time, his attorney defended the action as parental discipline, saying Peterson had not intended to cause harm and regretted the outcome. The incident left the child with cuts and bruises to multiple areas of his body, and officials described the discipline as involving a small branch or “switch.”
Peterson ultimately pleaded no contest to a reduced misdemeanor reckless assault charge. His sentence included two years of probation, a $4,000 fine, and 80 hours of community service. The NFL also suspended him for one year as a result of the incident.
The Incident Described as a “Whooping” Resulted in Cuts and Bruises to the Child
Police reports and court documents at the time detailed bruising and lacerations on the four-year-old, including injuries to the back, buttocks, ankles and legs. Peterson told investigators the punishment was meant to discipline his son for pushing another child. The physical extent of the injuries and the subsequent legal outcome remain central to public concern over his presence on a family-oriented program like Dancing with the Stars.
Many viewers and commentators argue that the show’s platform can act as a form of rehabilitation of public image, giving celebrities an opportunity to reshape public perception through television exposure. Others say casting someone with this kind of history risks minimizing the seriousness of child abuse and domestic violence.
Arrest in 2022 After an Onboard Altercation
Peterson was arrested again in 2022 after an alleged domestic incident involving his wife. According to reports at the time, what began as a verbal confrontation on a flight returning to the gate escalated, prompting the aircraft to return so airport police could investigate. Peterson was taken into custody and released on bond the same day; his wife did not press charges. Representatives for Peterson characterized the situation as a dispute that resulted in a minor injury to his wife’s finger.
This second incident added to the controversy around his casting, with critics questioning whether the show considered the potential harm to victims of similar behavior when giving screen time to individuals accused or convicted of abuse.
Former Pro Sharna Burgess Voices Shock and Disapproval
Former Dancing with the Stars professional dancer Sharna Burgess publicly expressed her surprise and disappointment on her podcast, saying she was “shocked” by the inclusion of Peterson in the cast. Burgess described the case as devastating and said that, as a mother, she would find it impossible to be partnered with someone who has been charged in connection with harming a child.
Her reaction reflects a broader unease among some former cast members and fans who worry that featuring controversial figures can normalize or soften public perception of serious allegations. Others defended the show’s right to cast a wide range of personalities and suggested that participation in a televised competition is not the same as an endorsement of past behavior.
Public responses on social media and in commentary sections were swift and strongly divided. Some viewers called for Peterson’s removal from the show, arguing that a family-focused program should not provide a spotlight to someone with his history. Others emphasized that Peterson served his legal penalties and that casting decisions should allow for the possibility of personal growth and rehabilitation.
As Season 32 approaches, the controversy over Adrian Peterson’s casting underscores ongoing tensions about accountability, redemption, and the choices networks make when assembling casts for high-profile reality shows. The debate raises vital questions about how entertainment platforms balance second chances with sensitivity to victims and the messages they send to audiences.