DWTS judge Bruno Tonioli gives WRONG score to Whitney Leavitt in live TV disaster as fans rip show for ‘rigging’ results

DANCING With the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli has given out the WRONG score to Whitney Leavitt in a massive live TV screw up on tonight’s rocky premiere. 

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star was in the middle of chaos during the live premiere on Tuesday night when the longtime judge “accidentally” gave her a score higher than he intended.

Whitney, 32, is partnered with DWTS legendary pro, Mark Ballas, who is making his grand return to the ballroom after a years-long hiatus. 

The duo danced a tango to Golden, the hit song featured in Netflix’s popular K-pop Demon Hunters movie. 

The reality star impressed the judges, which included Bruno and former pro Derek Hough. 

Carrie Ann Inaba abruptly announced she would miss the premiere due to an illness just hours before the show - leaving the panel to just two. 

Bruno had multiple hiccups in the short span of making comments about Whitney’s performance, including forgetting to lock in his score. 

Host Alfonso Ribeiro had to remind Bruno to lock in his score before offering critique - which he appeared to rush in as he provided feedback. 

Both Derek and Bruno were highly impressed with the number and even admitted that Whitney “exceeded” their expectations, as they “didn’t know what to expect."

The contestant and her pro partner then joined co-host Julianne Hough as it was time for Bruno and Derek to reveal their scores.

Appearing to be on the same page, they both held up the “7” paddle to the delight of Mark and Whitney. 

While both judges held up a "7," which would give the grand total of "14" to the contestants, the score total at the bottom of the screen said "15."

The pair hugged and celebrated their triumph as Julianne continued the interview.

"That's the highest score, how do you feel about that?" the co-host asked Whitney, who replied that she felt "very honored" and "very grateful" for the positive feedback.

However, moments later, Julianne interrupted the conversation to reveal that Bruno had actually locked in an “8.”

“Actually, it just came through my ear right now… Bruno actually put in an 8. So, we have to correct it, it’s a 15," she said with a concerned face.

“Did I? Oh, well good for you,” Bruno blurted out, appearing confused. 

Due to the show guidelines, producers must accept whatever number is locked into the screen at the judges' table.

The show continued, and following a commercial break, Alfonso was standing aside Bruno to try to clear up any confusion.

“Just to clarify something, our judges key in their scores just after the dance, and then they are locked, regardless of what paddle they hold up.

"We go with their locked scores. So Bruno did an 8, so Whitney’s total was 15," the Fresh Prince actor said.

“I know I messed up. Absolutely right, they should lock me up," Bruno quipped back.

'SO UNFAIR'

Fans were furious about the blunder, with one raging: "Giving her a higher score when that was not what was earned is so unfair."

"This is why I didn't want Mark back tbh. He always gets preferential partners and scoring," another accused.

"RIGGED! Do better DWTS," a third fired off.

"Well, we know who the producers' faves are gonna be," a fourth claimed.

While many viewers disagreed with the outrage, proclaiming that Whitney "absolutely deserved" the "8" due to being "far better" than the rest of her competitors.

The U.S. Sun previously reported that the producers already "have favorites" with who they want to go far this season.

In addition to Whitney, production has their eyes set on giving beloved Robert Irwin the "hero's edit" this year, following his sister, Bindi, taking home the Mirrorball Trophy in 2015.

Robert was the only other contestant to also get a total score of "15" in his debut - making the son of Steve Irwin and the Hulu reality star the top two performers of the premiere.