Exclusive

DWTS Backstage Scoop: D.L. Hughley Calls Show "Horrible," "Not Fun" After Fight With Judges

Exclusive! Is Len Goodman a bully? The comedian sure thinks so and seems ready to quit

By Kristin Dos Santos Apr 03, 2013 5:54 AMTags
Dancing With The Stars, Season 16, D.L HughleyABC/Craig Sjodin

Whoa. Just us, or Dancing With the Stars has never been this nasty? We know D.L. Hughley would agree!

During a behind-the-scenes package on tonight's results show, we saw Hughley talking about how the judges were "bullies" and their criticism crossed the line. He also told E! News he doesn't want to be "a verbal punching bag" and wishes his microphone was on so he could respond to all the slams.

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Well, Len Goodman was given the chance to apologize and let's just say, he did not back down. "I can't get over how kind I've been this season, honestly," Len said. "I'm normally so much harder…I thought I was a bit generous last night, actually, D.L."

Yeow! D.L. was declared safe, and will live on to dance another week, but was still reeling backstage when we caught up with him.

"I don't like the idea of somebody having a mic and me not," a clearly frustrated Hughley told E! News' Will Marfuggi. "That to me is cowardly. What did I do? Did I dance so poorly that I made [Len] upset that I get to dance again? This experience is starting to be horrible for me. It's not fun. It's like going to school and the principal has it out for you. I don't need you to help me, just look the other way."

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Some of the other DWTS pros told us they were surprised at Len's harshness (Kym Johnson called it "shocking"). But Tony Dovolani, who was sent home tonight along with partner Wynonna Judd, said he "actually kind of applauded" the head judge. "The judges are not there to apologize," Tony explained. "The judges say what they say and they mean it. That's what our show is about. They can't take emotions into account."

D.L. and Len will go for round two next week, and the comedian made it clear he is prepared to fight back. "I think that there are people that you can't elevate, so you can only choose to deal with them how they choose to deal with you."

Snap! Should make for some interesting TV...

Check out more exclusive interviews on E! News at 7 pm.