Julia Stiles cried through rehearsal after suffering a rib injury just hours before her comeback performance on Dancing With the Stars, according to E! News.
The actress described the injury as a "popped" rib, an ailment that made it painful to breathe, let alone dance. The setback hit during preparation for her Yacht Rock-themed routine, a performance she had been building toward after time away from the competition.
Stiles, best known for her roles in "10 Things I Hate About You" and the "Bourne" film series, has been one of the most talked-about contestants of the season. Her rib injury threatened to derail a routine she and her professional partner had spent days choreographing.
Rib injuries are common among dancers, particularly when partners perform lifts and quick directional changes. A popped rib typically involves the joint between a rib and its connecting cartilage slipping out of place, causing sharp pain with each breath. Dancers often push through, but the injury can limit rotation and upper-body movement.
Despite the pain, Stiles chose to perform. The decision echoed her season-long approach: she has repeatedly taken on physically demanding choreography rather than playing it safe. That willingness has earned her praise from judges and kept her in contention.
The emotional rehearsal moment was captured on camera and aired as part of the episode's backstage footage. Viewers saw Stiles wipe away tears as her partner and medical staff checked on her. She later composed herself and took the stage.
Dancing With the Stars has a long history of contestants competing through injuries. Past seasons have seen torn muscles, broken bones, and concussions, with celebrities often opting to dance rather than withdraw. Producers typically bring in medical personnel to assess whether a contestant can safely continue.
It is not clear whether Stiles received treatment beyond on-site care or whether the injury will affect future performances. Neither Stiles nor ABC has released a statement on her condition.
Stiles rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s with films including "Save the Last Dance" and "Mona Lisa Smile." She has since moved into directing and television work, including a role in the series "Riviera." Her presence on DWTS has drawn attention from fans who grew up watching her films.
The injury adds another storyline to a season already crowded with drama. For Stiles, the question now is whether her rib will hold up through the remaining weeks of competition, or whether the pain will force her to step back.
She has not indicated any plan to quit.
