Ryan Lochte's Dancing with the Stars debut disrupted by protest

Two men were arrested for trespassing Monday after rushing US swimmer Ryan Lochte on the set of the popular American television show "Dancing with the Stars."

Police were called to CBS studios in Los Angeles after the men were tackled by security guards during the live broadcast of the show as they ran onto the dance floor where the 32-year-old Lochte had just finished his routine with partner Cheryl Burke.

The men were wearing shirts bearing Lochte's name with a circle and a line through it.

The protesters were apparently against the appearance of Lochte, an Olympic swimmer who made a bogus gunpoint robbery story during a boozy night out with some American teammates at the Rio de Janeiro Games.

A noticeably rattled Lochte told the show's host Tom Bergeron that he was OK except for some hurt feelings.

"So many feelings are going through my head right now," Lochte said. "A little hurt but, you know, I came out here and wanted to do something that I'm completely not comfortable with and I did and I came out here with a big smile."

Several women protesters were also reportedly removed from the audience after they shouted at Lochte.

Sam Sododeh, 48, and Barzeen Soroudi, 40, both of Los Angeles were arrested on "suspicion of trespassing" charges, according to Los Angeles police spokesman Mike Lopez.

Source: AFP