Two men stormed the stage shouting “Liar!” during the judges’ critique of Lochte’s performance with dancing partner Cheryl Burke on Monday evening (US time). But some witness statements and surveillance videos support Lochte’s initial statement that the swimmers were robbed at the gas station by armed men who flashed badges and pointed guns at them before shaking the swimmers down for their wallets.
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It happened after the judges spoke about Lochte’s foxtrot routine with Cheryl Burke.
The video also showed at least four others in the audience wearing anti-Lochte shirts.
Both Sododeh and Soroudi were taken down by security as they entered the stage and were later booked on trespassing charges, according to KABC-7.
Lochte’s message on the show – where his appearance has been seen as part of an apology tour – had been that he is a changed man from the one who caused global drama by lying about getting robbed at gunpoint during the Summer Games in Rio. When the show returned to the broadcast, Lochte appeared unharmed but still affected by the incident.
“Hey, back off”, Inaba said as the altercation was occurring off screen.
During the premiere of DWTS, two men rushed the stage with anti-Ryan Lochte shirts on, causing security to run onto the floor during the live show and tackle them.
As we previously reported, show producers have eyed increased security for Ryan Lochte following the incident. The show quickly went to a commercial break.
After the scene, Lochte told Bergeron, “So many feelings are going through my head right now”. ABC said four to five other women were escorted out of the audience after chanting against Lochte. “I was really hurt when I saw that, and I was in shock”.
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On Thursday, USA Swimming and the United States Olympic Committee announced that Lochte had been suspended for 10 months from domestic and worldwide competitions as punishment for lying about a supposed armed robbery at a gas station in Rio during the second week of the Olympics.
