Carrie Ann Inaba has finally spoken out about the recent Dancing With the Stars drama, including her controversial comments about lifts, and has called for the show to add a new lift rule next season. The judge broke her silence in a comment on a recent Instagram carousel, saying she had stayed quiet out of professional courtesy.
Carrie Ann Inaba (Credits: Variety)
Inaba explained that she had not spoken about what happened because of professional courtesy for those still competing, and because standards and practices keep the judges separated from the dancers. Her comments mark her first public remarks since the controversy that led to Val Chmerkovskiy’s suspension.
How the DWTS Lift Controversy Started
The row began during the October 13 episode, when Inaba criticized a samba by Jenna Johnson, Chmerkovskiy’s wife, and her celebrity partner Harry Shum Jr. Inaba called out Johnson’s lifts, and when Johnson pushed back, the judge read aloud the show’s definition of a lift: any movement during which one of the dancers has both feet off the floor at the same time with the assistance or support of their partner.
Johnson accepted the feedback graciously, but Chmerkovskiy reacted angrily. He later posted on social media that viewers had almost seen the Fresh Prince enter the ballroom, a remark widely read as a reference to Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars. Inaba reportedly felt threatened by the comment and raised concerns with show officials, prompting an investigation.
Val Chmerkovskiy DWTS Suspension and Return
Chmerkovskiy apologized publicly, acknowledging poor judgment, and said he had also spoken to Inaba personally. Even so, BBC Studios, which produces Dancing With the Stars, suspended him for one week, saying the well-being of everyone who works on the show is non-negotiable and that his post was inappropriate.
The suspension left his celebrity partner Jenna Dewan needing a replacement professional, with Alan Bersten stepping in for Dedication Night. Chmerkovskiy’s suspension has since been lifted, with reports saying he returned for the Halloween-themed episode on October 27, while producers have told both him and Inaba to focus on the dancing and keep things professional.
Carrie Ann Inaba New Lift Rule Request
Against that backdrop, Inaba’s call for a new lift rule next season is significant. The lift debate exposed confusion over what counts as a lift, especially when background dancers are involved, as Johnson noted at the time. A clearer rule could prevent a repeat of the on-air clash that spiraled into a suspension and a week of headlines.
One photo in Inaba’s carousel showed her hugging Johnson during the October 20 show, the episode in which Chmerkovskiy was benched. Whether that moment signals a thaw between the judge and the pros remains to be seen, but Inaba speaking out at all suggests she wants the conversation to move from controversy to clarity.
Also Read: DWTS Benches Val Chmerkovskiy After Will Smith Slap Joke About Carrie Ann Inaba | Former 4Minute Member Kwon Sohyun Sparks Heartbreak With Honest Confession About Life as an Office Worker
Source: Variety — read the full story there.
