Robert Irwin Had A Scare In The Ballroom After His Team’s Group Dance On DWTS

Season 34 Dancing With the Stars competitor Robert Irwin told Entertainment Tonight that he had a scary moment on the dance floor after his team’s dance on Rock and Roll Night.

Robert and Witney’s paso doble left the judges and audience breathless, but there was an incident after their group’s dance to Kool & the Gang’s Celebration that left Robert unable to breathe for a moment. 

Crocodiles and confetti:

“I almost died tonight,” began the wildlife conservationist who works closely with crocodile rescue in an interview after episode 8. “I choked on a piece of confetti after the team dance.” Robert continued, “I went over to Witney [Carson] and I inhaled a piece of confetti.”

“I couldn’t breathe,” and the cameras cut away before he gestured that he was choking. For the record, Witney didn’t even know Robert was struggling with all the energy in the room!

Luckily, Robert coughed and the confetti propelled from his mouth.

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DWTS fans reacted:

• I can’t bear to lose another Irwin. Protect that man
• Robert safety: Works with crocs ✅ Confetti❌
• Can’t believe he works with wild animals yet a piece of confetti was what almost took him out 😂
• ROBERT IRWIN: CONFETTI HUNTER
• That poor confetti just wanted to be one with Robert 😂

ICYMI:

Robert and Witney scored 38/40 during Rock and Roll Night for their paso doble to The White Stripes’ Icky Thump.

Another week, another incredible performance from Robert Irwin and Witney Carson on Dancing with the Stars! 🔥#DWTS #RockHallNight pic.twitter.com/aB3cXp202T

— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) November 5, 2025

Andy Richter was captain of the team consisting of Alix Earle, Robert Irwin, Elaine Hendrix, and Julianne Hough. The judges enjoyed their friendship and collaboration, but wanted to see more nuance from the group. They earned a 38 out of 40.

Your gals here at Taste of Reality made it into the ballroom for this episode, so here’s some BTS of Robert practicing his paso doble!

@tasteof__reality #robertirwin #dwts #dancingwiththestars #dwts34 #dancingwiththestars2025 ♬ original sound – tasteof__reality

Drop your thoughts about Robert, a wildlife expert, almost getting taken out by a piece of confetti below.