The long-standing feud between former Dance Moms stars Abby Lee Miller and Kelly Hyland has taken another dramatic turn — this time in the midst of Hyland’s battle with breast cancer. While fans may have hoped illness might prompt reconciliation or mutual support, Miller has made it crystal clear: she’s not extending an olive branch, and she doesn’t believe Kelly deserves one either.
In an exclusive statement to TMZ, Abby Lee Miller responded to news that her former co-star, Kelly Hyland, had rung the cancer bell to mark the end of her second round of treatment — a milestone many cancer patients and survivors celebrate as a victory. Miller, however, didn’t express sympathy or solidarity. Instead, she pointed out that she received no support from Hyland during her own near-death experience and cancer battle.
Abby’s Own Cancer Ordeal: A Life-Threatening Battle
In 2018, Miller was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Her diagnosis came after undergoing emergency spinal surgery, where doctors discovered a tumor compressing her spinal cord — leaving her temporarily paralyzed and in excruciating pain.
Abby’s recovery journey was intense. She went through multiple rounds of chemotherapy and extensive physical rehabilitation, and even had to relearn how to walk. By 2019, she was declared cancer-free, but the experience left her physically and emotionally scarred.
Despite this trauma, Abby claims that Kelly Hyland — along with her daughters Brooke and Paige — never once reached out to offer words of comfort or support during her life-threatening ordeal. And that, Abby says, is why she’s not picking up the phone now.
“Kelly has three amazing kids, a supportive dad, and an ex-husband who’s involved. She doesn’t need me,” Abby told TMZ.
A Decade-Old Feud Still Going Strong
For fans of Dance Moms, the tension between Abby and Kelly is nothing new. Their infamous on-air fights were some of the show’s most dramatic moments, culminating in an explosive physical altercation in 2014 that effectively ended Kelly and her daughters’ time on the hit Lifetime reality series.
After the incident, Kelly filed two lawsuits — one alleging assault during the filmed altercation, and another claiming Abby caused emotional distress to her daughter, Paige. The legal battle was messy and public. In the end, Collins Entertainment (the show’s production company) settled by agreeing to pay Kelly $17,500 — a sum reportedly used to replace damaged floors in her home caused during production.
Since then, there’s been no public reconciliation between the two women, and Miller’s latest comments confirm that the bridge remains well and truly burned.
Kelly Hyland’s Health Journey: Strength Amid Silence
Kelly Hyland was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. She recently celebrated completing her second round of cancer treatment by ringing the traditional cancer bell, a symbolic gesture marking the end of chemotherapy. The moment was shared by fans and followers across social media, with many praising Kelly for her strength, positivity, and grace under pressure.
While her daughters Brooke and Paige Hyland — both former Dance Moms stars — have remained largely private about their mother’s diagnosis, the family has appeared united and strong throughout the ordeal. Fans have continued to send well-wishes and messages of support across platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Abby, however, maintains a different perspective — one that seems rooted in personal history and unresolved resentment.
A Pattern of Estrangement
This isn’t the first time Abby Lee Miller has remained distant during emotional or health crises involving former Dance Moms cast members. Her relationship with the show’s alums has been rocky at best, with multiple dancers and parents accusing her of verbal abuse, toxic behavior, and poor treatment during filming.
In recent years, Miller has publicly feuded with other former students and moms, including Maddie Ziegler, Christi Lukasiak, and even JoJo Siwa. Each falling-out seems to reflect the same pattern: deep loyalty followed by explosive conflict and a final, bitter split.
Despite this, Abby maintains that she only ever wanted the best for her students — though her tough-love approach has been widely criticized.
Public Reaction: Mixed Emotions from Fans
Reactions to Abby’s comments have been divided. While some fans argue she has every right to feel hurt about being ignored during her own cancer journey, others believe her response lacks empathy and compassion — especially given the seriousness of Kelly’s illness.
On platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, users weighed in:
- “It’s not about who called who during cancer. Just wish her well and move on.”
- “Abby is still holding onto beef from 10 years ago? This isn’t the time.”
- “She makes a good point. No one supported her, so why fake it now?”
The drama has reignited interest in the old episodes of Dance Moms, with fans revisiting clips of the Abby-Kelly feud and calling out the show’s producers for exploiting the women’s conflict for ratings.
Abby Lee Miller Today: Recovery and Reinvention
Since overcoming cancer, Abby Lee Miller has kept a lower profile. She’s continued teaching dance, offering online classes, and staying somewhat active on social media. However, she’s also faced criticism for failing to apologize to former cast members who accused her of racism and harsh treatment during their time on the show.
Miller has expressed interest in returning to TV, though she says it would only be on her terms — and likely not with any of her former co-stars.
Kelly Hyland: A Private Fighter in the Public Eye
Kelly has stayed relatively quiet in the public sphere since leaving Dance Moms, choosing to focus on her family. Her daughters, Brooke and Paige, have built successful social media followings and often post lifestyle, fitness, and dance-related content. Their presence on platforms like TikTok and Instagram continues to draw fans of the original show.
Kelly’s battle with breast cancer has reminded many of the strength she often showed on Dance Moms — protecting her children fiercely and standing her ground, even when it meant going head-to-head with Abby.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity for Healing?
While Abby Lee Miller insists she holds no ill will, her refusal to reach out or show support amid Kelly’s health crisis feels like another chapter in a bitter and ongoing story — one that may never see a peaceful resolution.
In the world of reality TV, drama sells — but in real life, fans hope for healing, especially in the face of adversity. Whether that day will come for Abby and Kelly remains to be seen.
Until then, the feud that once rocked Dance Moms continues to linger — a reminder that reality TV scars can last longer than the cameras do.
