Dancing With the Stars pro Sasha Farber broke his silence after being absent from the season 35 lineup.
Farber, 42, posted a TikTok on Wednesday, September 2, after ABC confirmed the full list of pros and celebrities competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy on the upcoming season. In the comments section, Farber was asked why he wasn’t included.
“Genuinely at this point you’re all over social and they’re leveraging you …. is this your choice? Are you wanting to be behind the scenes and move into like a hosting entertainment tonight Derek hough thing?” read the message, to which Farber replied, “Not my choice.”
Farber initially joined the DWTS troupe during season 14, which aired in 2012. He was promoted to pro for season 17 in 2013 before being placed back in the troupe for the next four seasons. He returned as a pro on season 22 in 2016 and competed on the show for three more seasons before going back to the troupe once again.
Farber was a pro on seasons 26 to 33, but he hasn’t returned in the same capacity since 2024.
Farber previously spoke out after fans questioned his absence from season 34, saying in a September 2025 video, “It is a beautiful day today. Guys, the Dancing With the Stars cast announcement was today. Wow, so many good names. Who are you going to vote for? I mean, I know who I’m going to vote for. I know who you’re not going to vote for — that’s me. But that’s OK.”
He continued: “Thank you all so much for all your incredible messages. I read them all, I see it all, I adore you. I definitely don’t deserve you because you guys are amazing. I love you. Thank you so much.”
At the time, Farber said he was excited to root for the celebrities and their professional dance partners.
“This is going to be quite the season … who’s gonna win? Anyone could win,” he concluded. “This is going to be great and I can’t wait to cheer. Love you all.”
Farber isn’t the only pro missing from the season 35 lineup. Gleb Savchenko also spoke out after he was noticeably absent from the cast reveal on Wednesday.
“Guys, I promise… I’m good 😂❤️,” Savchenko, 42, wrote via Instagram. “Nothing but love and gratitude for all the years in that ballroom. Excited for this next chapter — and wishing everyone an amazing season 🪩.”
He concluded: “No sad messages. We’re moving forward 😉. Guys, we can stop telling me you’re sorry. I’m good.”
Dancing With the Stars season 35 kicks off with a two-night premiere on ABC and Disney+ Tuesday, September 15, and Wednesday, September 16, at 8 p.m. ET.
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