Watch As Ryan Lochte Gets Swarmed By Two Men on ‘Dancing With The Stars’

The 23rd season of Dancing with the Stars kicked off last night. Known for having a wide selection of celebrity and well-known guests, the network decided to have a current problematic figure as part of its cast this season. Ryan Lochte, an Olympic swimmer better known for his fables than individual medals, is among the thirteen contestants this season. The celebrity figures range from individuals such as fellow Olympian Laurie Hernandez to 90’s hit maker Vanilla Ice.

In the debut episode of the season, Lochte was surrounded on stage by two protesters wearing anti-Locthe gear. During the scoring portion of the broadcast, after Ryan’s performance with Cheryl Burke, two men came from the crowd and took to the stage. Locthe was visibly shaken up by the two individuals. Below you can see the reaction of the judges panel. Ultimately the show’s host Tom Bergeron decides to throw the broadcast to a commercial:

 

WATCH: EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Security takes down anti-@RyanLochte protesters who rushed the stage last night at #DWTS. https://t.co/LBf3JJ8qzu

— Good Morning America (@GMA) September 13, 2016

Here’s the broadcast feed:

 

Here’s video of whatever just happened to Ryan Lochte on #DWTS pic.twitter.com/x8GAfa7aeT

— Brandon Wall (@Walldo) September 13, 2016

And the aftermath:

 

Anti-Lochte protestor tackled to the ground at #DWTS pic.twitter.com/ATWrFb34nK

— Patrick Gomez (@PatrickGomezLA) September 13, 2016

The two men were taken into police custody. An ABC and a Worldwide Productions spokesperson has since stated , “Two individuals stormed the dance floor tonight and were immediately subdued and escorted out of the building. The matter is now being handled by the authorities.”

It certainly made the first night of the hit series one of heightened drama and frenzy. Lochte will most certainly have his detractors and protestors for quite some time. He incited an international mystery when he claimed he was attacked in Rio while staying in the Brazilian city for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Fortunately for Lochte, this time, there’s video evidence to corroborate his story.