When a Kiss Cam Stole the Show: Andy Richter, Alan Bersten, and a Wild Night Out

1. The Kiss Cam That Broke the Internet

At a recent Los Angeles Kings game, a routine arena “kiss cam” moment took an unexpected — and hilarious — twist that instantly went viral. The camera first landed on Emma Slater and Alan Bersten, a pro dancer from Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) and Slater’s real-life partner, capturing them sharing a sweet, expected smooch. But just as the kiss concluded, comedian Andy Richter — who had danced with Slater during DWTS Season 34 — tapped Bersten on the shoulder. Bersten turned and planted a playful kiss on Richter, leaving the crowd roaring with laughter and shock.

The moment was immortalized in a social-media post by Bersten, captioned, “Last night was so fun! @theemmaslater and I had our first kiss cam! And so did @richtercommaandy at the @lakings.”

Instantly, the clip exploded across platforms, drawing reactions ranging from amusement to disbelief. Fellow DWTS cast members flooded the comments with delight — some even poking fun at the surreal “love triangle no one saw coming.”

This wasn’t just a quick camera cut or a brief peck. The kiss cam captured a moment of spontaneous camaraderie, levity, and perhaps a bit of playful mischief — and the internet loved it.

2. From Ballroom to Hockey Arena: The Unlikely Crossover

For fans of DWTS, the sight of pros and celebrities in the stands isn’t entirely surprising. But what made this night special was the blend of worlds — the formal dance floor energy of DWTS colliding with the casual, high-energy vibe of a hockey game.

Richter, 59, had only recently finished his Season 34 run on DWTS with Emma Slater; the pair had been eliminated in week 9 of the competition. Meanwhile, Bersten and Slater had confirmed their romantic relationship earlier this year, after Slater’s divorce from a previous pro partner.

That background gives the kiss-cam moment extra flavor — it wasn’t just two strangers caught on screen, but three people with shared history: a former dance couple (Richter & Slater), and Slater’s current partner (Bersten). The dynamic carries a hint of backstage familiarity, friendly rivalry, and inside-joke energy that only insiders might fully grasp.

In short: what could’ve been an awkward or uncomfortable moment ended up being joyful, lighthearted, and unforgettable — a testament to the bond and mutual respect among these entertainers even beyond the dance floor.

3. Reaction, Shock and a Touch of Comedy

Once the video went public, reactions flooded in. Fans and fellow DWTS alumni alike responded to the kiss with humor, admiration, and sheer disbelief.

Several cast members chimed in with playful comments — including one joking, “Should I be jealous of Andy?” referring to the comedic twist of the kiss cam.

What stands out is that no one seemed offended or upset — rather, the energy was overwhelmingly positive. There was laughter, camaraderie, and a shared sense that this moment was less about scandal and more about spontaneous fun. Even Richter’s own spouse (seen cheering behind them in the stands) appeared to find it amusing rather than upsetting.

Fans watching online echoed that sentiment. On Reddit, for instance, one viewer commented:

“I adore how good of a sport Alan is! 🤣 He just goes for it. Jan’s reaction is hilarious. And I love how Andy’s wife and Emma just play along. No notes!”

Another wrote:

“If I had a nickel for every time Andy and Alan have kissed on live television, I would have two nickels which isn’t a lot, but iconic it’s happened twice ☠️☠️”

It’s clear this spontaneous kiss cam moment resonated — not as drama, but as a shared comedic beat, a little bit of playful chaos that brought people together.

4. What It Says About Identity, Friendship, and Performance

On the surface, a kiss-cam moment is nothing more than a quick, lighthearted tradition at many sporting events. But this particular instance — involving former dance partners, a current couple, and a comedian — reveals deeper layers about identity, boundaries, and the blurred lines between performance and reality.

First, it shows how performance and camaraderie can extend beyond their original contexts. The bonds formed during DWTS don’t end with the final dance or elimination; they carry over into real life, into friendships that transcend competition. The fact that Richter, Slater, and Bersten felt comfortable enough to engage in such a public, cheeky moment speaks to a certain trust and affection between them.

Second, the moment underscores how fluid identity and relationships can be within entertainment circles — and how humor can defuse awkwardness. The kiss wasn’t staged or meant to shock; it was spontaneous and playful. That spontaneity gave it authenticity. The participants didn’t treat it as a scandal or statement — but as a joke among friends.

Finally, it highlights how fans and followers have recalibrated their understanding of what “celebrity moments” can be. Gone are the days when everything had to be polished, serious, or deeply curated. Moments like this — goofy, human, unpredictable — resonate because they feel real. They bring celebrities down to earth, showing they can laugh, play, and share absurd little memories just like anyone else.

5. The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters

Why is this kiss-cam incident worth talking about beyond the initial laughs and viral attention? Because it reflects broader shifts in entertainment culture, celebrity relationships, and what audiences find entertaining today.

• Breaking stereotypes: Often, celebrities are portrayed as distant or overly serious. This moment subverts that — showcasing vulnerability, humor, and spontaneity.
• Celebrating friendships over drama: Instead of scandals or breakups, fans are witnessing genuine friendship, affection, and camaraderie. That shift feels refreshing and positive.
• Humanizing public figures: For many viewers, seeing celebrities take part in something as ordinary (and spontaneous) as a kiss cam helps them relate more. It reminds us that even those in the spotlight enjoy moments of absurdity, laughter, and connection.
• Building community in the digital age: The instant virality and fan reactions show how shared jokes or moments — no matter how small — can unite people across distance and backgrounds.

In a world where celebrity gossip often leans toward drama or controversy, this night at the LA Kings game offered something different: a harmless, fun, and unexpectedly touching moment — a reminder that sometimes the best stories are the ones you don’t plan.

From: Doublejoydesigns