Former 'Dance Moms' Star Nia Sioux Alleges Racist Remarks from Abby Lee Miller

In her new memoir, former 'Dance Moms' star Nia Sioux, now 24, has come forward with allegations of racist remarks and body shaming from her former dance teacher, Abby Lee Miller. Sioux, who appeared on the show for seven seasons from 2011 to 2017, starting at the age of 9, says Miller frequently made inappropriate comments about her appearance.

Sioux recalls an incident during season two when she had her hair in braids, a hairstyle approved by production, yet Miller criticized it, saying, "It's like a log coming out of the side of her head." In another unreported incident, Miller allegedly asked Sioux, "Don't you just wish you had white-girl hair?" to which Sioux firmly responded, "No."

The allegations extend beyond just Sioux's hair, as she also claims Miller believed "Black people were physically predisposed to having flat feet." Miller would allegedly threaten to "come out there and break it" if Sioux didn't point her foot properly. Sioux also says Miller made numerous comments criticizing the size of her thighs, butt, and muscular legs, implying she was "fat" and "lazy."

Sioux says these experiences had "lasting effects" on her as the only Black dancer on the show for the majority of its run. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can shed light on the challenges faced by dancers of color and inspire others to speak up about racism and discrimination in the industry.