MAFS UK’s Julia-Ruth explains why she claps with one hand, and now it makes sense

MAFS UK’s Julia-Ruth Smith has spoken out after being roasted online for her unusual clapping during the show. The bride, who married musician Divarni on the E4 series, took to Instagram after Wednesday’s episode to address her portrayal on the show.

She explained that her way of clapping isn’t random, but something rooted in dance and ballroom culture.

Credit: Channel 4

“I’m actually screaming that I have to jump on here to say this – just because you guys are so vexed that I didn’t clap with both hands, I clap with one,” she said.

Julia-Ruth went on to say the gesture comes from Black, Latin and LGBTQ+ communities, which she’s “heavily a part of” through her dance career: “It means to give someone their props, to acknowledge them, that you see them, that you’re sending them love.”

Her explanation came after the clip drew attention on social media, with one commenter writing: “I cannot stand Julia-Ruth’s f***ing finger clapping”. Another added: “It’s f***ing annoying and ridiculous”.

Credit: Channel 4

Several people jumped in to defend the move and explain its roots: “It means clock it. A Gen Z flex. It comes from the queer community and originated in ballroom culture.”

Julia-Ruth also used her Instagram story to take aim at her edit on the show, insisting that viewers don’t see the whole picture.

“There’s so much in the edit, whether it be good or bad for everyone, that is missing,” she said. “There are so many moments at dinner parties where everyone’s bonding, laughing and kiki-ing, and it’s just not shown.”

Most Read

This AI Ghostface trend is all over TikTok, so here’s how to make your own Scream photo

Hideous videos literally show Bonnie Blue in the act on uni campus during gross Bang Bus tour

OnlyFans model arrested after two pop stars are tortured, killed, and stashed in bin bags

She urged people to “be kind” to cast members who might be getting a rough ride onscreen: “I just wanted to say send more love and positivity to everyone.”

Why is Julia-Ruth just “clapping” with her thumb and middle finger? #MAFSUK
It is infuriating me. I don’t know why

— Amy ❯❯❯❯❯ (@absolutelyamyyy) September 30, 2025

Julia-Ruth’s journey on the show has already been far from smooth. After marrying Divarni, she clashed with him over his past, refusing to even sleep in the same room on their wedding night. A fiery honeymoon argument saw her kick him out of their suite entirely, and viewers have since urged her to run away after his cringeworthy attempt to serenade her.

Despite the rocky edit and the trolling over her clap, Julia-Ruth is clearly determined to set the record straight, and keep clapping her way.

For more like this, like The Tab on Facebook. 

Featured image credit: Channel 4, Instagram/@julee_aaah