The reality TV show Dance Moms was notorious for its drama, and at the heart of much of that conflict was the dance instructor, Abby Lee Miller. Her demanding and often harsh teaching methods sparked controversy and captivated audiences. However, for some, the drama went beyond the screen. Paige Hyland, a former student on the show, took legal action against Abby, leading many to ask: Why Did Paige Sue Abby?
The lawsuit, brought to light through court documents in 2017, centered on serious allegations of abuse against Abby Lee Miller. Paige Hyland’s lawsuit claimed that Abby was not only verbally abusive but also physically harmed her students. According to the legal filings, Abby allegedly pinched students to the point of bleeding and engaged in other forms of physical aggression during filming.
The lawsuit detailed instances where Paige was allegedly targeted directly, particularly when her mother, Kelly Hyland, wasn’t present. One disturbing claim stated that Abby threw a chair during a confrontation with Paige, causing Paige to flee the room in fear of physical injury. These allegations painted a picture of a highly stressful and potentially harmful environment for the young dancers.
Beyond physical abuse, the lawsuit also highlighted the consistent verbal abuse Paige allegedly endured. The documents asserted that Abby “insulted and abused Paige on an almost daily basis,” resorting to cruel name-calling, insults about her appearance, and making offensive and false accusations about Paige’s family. These claims suggested a pattern of behavior that went beyond strict teaching and into the realm of emotional distress.
Paige Hyland’s lawyer at the time, Michael Shapiro, spoke to TMZ about his motivations for taking the case. He stated that his involvement was not driven by financial gain but by a desire to stop Abby’s alleged behavior. He described Abby’s actions towards the children as “intolerable” and stated the case was “the most repugnant” he had encountered in his extensive legal career. This statement underscored the seriousness of the allegations and the lawyer’s belief in the necessity of intervention.
It’s important to note that the Hyland family’s legal actions against Abby Lee Miller weren’t limited to Paige’s lawsuit. Prior to Paige’s suit, Kelly Hyland, Paige’s mother, also initiated legal proceedings against Abby. Kelly’s lawsuit stemmed from a physical altercation between her and Abby, where Kelly claimed Abby attempted to bite her. Kelly’s lawsuit also included claims against the production studio behind Dance Moms for breach of contract, defamation, emotional distress, and negligence. Both Kelly and Paige’s lawsuits, however, were ultimately dismissed by a judge, citing insufficient evidence.
Despite the dismissal, these lawsuits reflect the undeniably tense and volatile atmosphere that permeated Dance Moms. While reality television thrives on drama, the legal actions taken by the Hyland family suggest that the show’s environment may have crossed a line for some participants. The full truth of what happened between Paige, Kelly, and Abby may remain unclear, but the lawsuits themselves serve as a stark reminder of the intense pressures and conflicts that occurred behind the scenes of the reality show.
