Kelly Hyland slapped Abby Lee Miller in the episode “Big Trouble in the Big Apple” (Season 4, Episode 20) of “Dance Moms.” This physical altercation, a culmination of years of simmering tension, resulted in both Kelly’s removal from the show and a lasting scar on the reality TV landscape.
The Context: A Powder Keg Ignites
“Dance Moms” thrived on drama, but the confrontation between Kelly Hyland and Abby Lee Miller in “Big Trouble in the Big Apple” was a turning point. The episode aired on July 29, 2014, and documented the ALDC’s (Abby Lee Dance Company) trip to New York City for a dance competition. While tensions were already high due to the pressure of competition, it was Abby’s treatment of Kelly’s daughters, Brooke and Paige, that ultimately led to the physical altercation.
The root of the conflict was Abby’s constant criticism and perceived favoritism within the team. Kelly felt that Abby was unfairly targeting her daughters, especially Paige, and actively hindering their progress. This feeling was exacerbated by Abby’s increasingly harsh and personal attacks, pushing Kelly to her breaking point.
The Build-Up: Years of Underlying Tension
Before the infamous slap, Kelly and Abby’s relationship was already strained. They had a history that extended back to Kelly’s own childhood, when she was a student at Abby Lee Dance Company. While Kelly initially supported Abby, she grew increasingly disillusioned with Abby’s teaching methods and her treatment of the young dancers.
The show itself amplified this tension. The competitive environment, combined with the constant presence of cameras and producers, created a pressure cooker atmosphere. Abby’s deliberately provocative behavior, designed to generate drama, further fueled the conflict. Kelly, as a protective mother, often found herself defending her daughters against Abby’s attacks.
The Breaking Point: “Big Trouble in the Big Apple”
In “Big Trouble in the Big Apple,” the tension reached a boiling point during a rehearsal. Abby made several disparaging remarks about Paige’s dancing abilities and allegedly pulled Paige’s hair. This was the final straw for Kelly. In a fit of rage, she confronted Abby, and the argument quickly escalated. Kelly slapped Abby across the face, and the ensuing chaos led to a physical altercation involving other members of the cast.
The Aftermath: Fallout and Repercussions
The consequences of the slap were significant and long-lasting. Kelly was ultimately arrested and charged with assault, although the charges were later dropped to harassment. She was also permanently removed from “Dance Moms,” along with her daughters, Brooke and Paige.
The incident had a profound impact on the show. The dynamic of the team shifted, and the focus shifted even more towards the drama between Abby and the remaining mothers. The incident also raised serious ethical questions about the show’s producers and their role in creating and escalating conflict for the sake of entertainment.
The Legal Ramifications
Following the incident, Abby Lee Miller filed charges against Kelly Hyland for assault. The legal battle that ensued was heavily publicized and added fuel to the already intense public interest in the show. While the initial assault charges were dropped, Kelly was ultimately found guilty of harassment.
The Impact on Brooke and Paige
The incident had a lasting impact on Brooke and Paige Hyland. They were both traumatized by the experience and forced to leave the show. While they continued to pursue their own interests outside of “Dance Moms,” the event remained a defining moment in their young lives.
The Long-Term Consequences for “Dance Moms”
The slap marked a turning point for “Dance Moms.” While the show continued for several more seasons, the departure of Kelly and her daughters changed the dynamic significantly. Many viewers felt that the show lost some of its authenticity and became increasingly focused on manufactured drama. The incident also contributed to a growing awareness of the potential harm caused by reality television and the impact on the participants involved.
FAQs: Deeper Dive into the “Dance Moms” Controversy
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Kelly Hyland and Abby Lee Miller incident, providing more insights into the events and their impact.
1. What specifically triggered Kelly to slap Abby in “Big Trouble in the Big Apple?”
The primary trigger was Abby allegedly pulling Paige’s hair, coupled with continuous belittling of Paige’s dance abilities. This, on top of years of built-up resentment and perceived unfair treatment, led to Kelly’s outburst.
2. Were the producers aware of the building tension between Kelly and Abby?
Yes, the producers were acutely aware. Reality TV often thrives on conflict, and there’s evidence to suggest that producers may have even encouraged behaviors that exacerbated the tension to create more dramatic content.
3. Did Kelly regret slapping Abby afterward?
Kelly has expressed mixed feelings. While she regretted resorting to physical violence, she also maintained that she felt she had to defend her daughters from Abby’s abusive behavior.
4. What kind of harassment charges was Kelly ultimately found guilty of?
Specific details are limited, but generally, it involved actions considered offensive or unwanted, falling short of physical assault but still violating legal boundaries.
5. Did Brooke and Paige ever reconcile with Abby after leaving the show?
While relationships have reportedly mellowed, it’s unlikely there was a true reconciliation. The trauma they experienced likely left lasting scars.
6. How did the other mothers on “Dance Moms” react to the slap?
Their reactions varied. Some were supportive of Kelly, understanding her frustration, while others were more concerned about the show’s future and potential repercussions.
7. Did the incident affect Abby Lee Miller’s career?
Surprisingly, not significantly. While the incident certainly generated negative publicity, Abby remained a prominent figure in the dance world and continued to be involved with “Dance Moms.”
8. What steps were taken by the show’s production company to address the incident’s aftermath?
The production company likely focused on damage control, navigating the legal ramifications, and ensuring the show could continue without further incident. This probably involved revising contracts and implementing stricter guidelines.
9. Are there any video clips of the actual slap available online?
Yes, but they are heavily edited. Due to the violent nature, the full, unedited clip is rare and subject to copyright restrictions. Search for “Kelly Hyland Abby Lee Miller fight” and you will find edited versions of the incident.
10. How did the audience react to Kelly’s departure from “Dance Moms?”
Audience reactions were divided. Some viewers sympathized with Kelly and felt she was justified in her actions, while others condemned her violence and supported Abby.
11. Did the incident influence the creation of similar reality TV shows?
Possibly. It demonstrated the audience’s appetite for drama and conflict, which may have influenced the development of other reality shows that prioritize sensationalism.
12. What is the legacy of the Kelly-Abby slap in the context of reality television?
It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of manufactured drama and the exploitation of individuals for entertainment. It highlights the ethical responsibilities of producers and the long-term consequences for participants involved in high-pressure reality TV environments. It’s a stark reminder that the pursuit of ratings can come at a human cost. The slap remains one of the most iconic and controversial moments in reality television history.