Dance Moms Stars React to Abby Lee Miller's Prison Sentence

Elliana Walmslet, Maesi Caes and more share positive messages

By Kendall Fisher May 09, 2017 7:17 PMTags

It's been a rough day in the Dance Moms world.

Abby Lee Miller—who appeared on the Lifetime network's reality series—was sentenced to one year and one day in prison followed by two years of supervised release for fraud.

The sentencing comes two years after the 50-year-old dance instructor was initially indicted on 20 charges of bankruptcy fraud, concealment of bankruptcy assets and false bankruptcy declarations after the FBI, IRS and postal inspectors conducted an investigation.

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She allegedly hid more than $755,000 in other bank accounts—income that reportedly stemmed from appearances on the show in 2012 and 2013. 

Many of Miller's Dance Moms co-stars have shared messages and delivered statements regarding her sentencing:

Elliana Walmsley shared an Instagram photo with the dance teacher, writing, "I love you Miss Abby. I wouldn't be where I am without you. You have taught me so much about dance and life. Look how I can bevel now and 'break' my feet. You mean SO much to me and I will always be there for you."

Though Maesi Caes shared this photo on Monday before the news of Miller's sentencing, it still includes a strong message of support.

"Sending so many powerful, positive vibes, HUUUUUUUGGGGGEEE hugs, LOTS of love and prayers of strength across the miles to @therealabbylee for my #maesismotivationalmonda," Caes wrote. "Sometimes the strength within you is not a big, fiery flame for all to see. It's just a tiny spark that whispers 'YOU GOT THIS.'"

She continued, "Wishing you all were as blessed as me to know the REAL Miss Abby, who is truly inspiring, generous and passionate about not only the art of dance, but instilling and sharing that passion with all of us whom she was proud to call her own. Can't thank you enough for teaching me about more than just dance ... but more importantly about LIFE."

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Kamryn Beck also took to her Instagram story to share a black and white photo with Miller. She drew a red heart over the pic and captioned it, "Don't believe everything you see on t.v. You'll be in my prayers @therealabbylee. love you."

Meanwhile, Miller filed for bankruptcy in 2010. However, according to the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette, she withheld information that she had obtained a contract for Dance Moms when filing the reorganization plan. It was not until Judge Thomas Agresti reportedly spotted the choreographer on the reality series that he canceled a hearing to discharge her bankruptcy case and requested she disclose any contracts.

In June 2016, E! News confirmed Miller pleaded guilty to concealing bankruptcy assets as well as one count of not reporting an international monetary transaction. Earlier this year, she also announced she would be leaving the longtime TV series. 

During her sentencing on Tuesday, she told the court, "I am very sorry for what I've done. My name has been dragged through the mud."