Kim Zolciak-Biermann’s mini-stroke last week has forced her departure from Dancing with the Stars. On Monday’s episode, with Zolciak on video feed from Atlanta and her partner Dovolani in studio with Tom Bergeron, the host quoted from the show’s competition rules: “In the instance of health-related matters affecting a participant’s ability to participate in the game, they must withdraw.”
Dovolani danced the routine the duo would have performed this week with Jenna Johnson.
Zolciak replied that while she can dance, she cannot fly, and if she lived within driving distance she would be there to continue the show. She is currently in Atlanta, where she had just returned from Los Angeles following an episode of the show when she had the stroke. The Bravolebrity has been regularly shuttling back and forth between the cities to train for the show and spend time with her family.
When Kim experienced the stroke – a minor version called a TIA for transient ischiemic attack – she lost feeling on one side and the ability to speak. Her family rushed her to the hospital where doctors were able to quickly attend to her. Further tests have revealed a serious underlying heart condition which doctors performed a procedure for on Friday.
While nothing has been released on Zolciak’s diagnosis or long-term health plan she seems more than ready to get back to the show. TMZ reported she was upset that the show would not use video from her practice sessions to score her this week as they did when Melissa Rycroft injured her neck in season 15.
Zolciak has been updating her fans via Instagram, posting photos from her hospital bed throughout the ordeal. Wendy Williams made some strong accusations about the star possibly faking her illness for during her show Monday, commenting on the attractive hospital selfies. “To me, a stroke is more important than a selfie. I don’t get where these people get, you know, posting pictures of a serious condition in the hospital. Now Kim is 37 years old and, you know, she’s got six children. She looks terrific, you know, and by the way, the reality show it cute … but, Kim, my thought is, um, I hope you’re not fibbing about the stroke.” Williams insinuated that Zolciak made up the condition in order to get off Dancing with the Stars.
People reported on Zolciak’s response to Williams today, which included a screenshot of an invitation for Kim to appear on the show.
Social media users have started campaigning under the hashtag #BringKimandTonyBack.