Carrie Ann Inaba, a renowned judge on the hit show ‘Dancing with the Stars’, recently opened up about the impact of online negativity on her mental health. Inaba, who has been a part of the show for 20 years, revealed that the criticism she faces has taken a toll on her well-being. The 57-year-old shared her struggles during a candid interview with Variety, where she reflected on her journey as a judge on the popular dance competition since its debut in 2005.
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Despite acknowledging the honour of dedicating her career to her passion for dance, Inaba admitted that the online hate she receives has significantly affected her mental health. She spoke about seeking therapy to cope with the negativity and shared how staying true to herself has been a crucial factor in dealing with the hurtful comments. Inaba mentioned that aligning with her beliefs in truth has helped her navigate through the hurtful online criticisms.
The seasoned judge revealed that she has been a target of negativity since her early days on ‘Dancing with the Stars’, particularly through online platforms like chat rooms. Initially, the hateful words affected her deeply, considering her background as a respected dancer who was used to receiving admiration from fans. However, she realised that stepping into the role of a judge meant facing a different kind of scrutiny, which she learned to cope with by maintaining authenticity and integrity in her judgments.
Inaba confessed that the disparaging remarks from ‘cruel’ commenters have made her fearful and caused her to ‘shrink down’ during the season, especially around week five or six. As the only female judge on the panel alongside Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli, she acknowledged that she often bears the brunt of the backlash. Despite the challenges, Inaba expressed her determination to stay true to her principles and provide constructive criticism, especially to female contestants, to help them grow and avoid regrets.
Responding to allegations that she judges female celebrities more harshly than men, Inaba called the situation “very ironic” and partially true. She explained that her detailed critiques for women stem from her deep understanding of the challenges they face and her desire to support and encourage them. Inaba highlighted the double standards faced by women in criticism, noting that while she is accused of being tough on female contestants, the same critics are often harsher towards her as a woman judge.
As ‘Dancing with the Stars’ continues to captivate viewers with its mesmerising performances, Inaba’s candid revelations shed light on the personal struggles she faces behind the glitz and glamour of the show. Her vulnerability in addressing the mental health impacts of online hate serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in the age of social media. Despite the challenges she encounters, Inaba’s commitment to authenticity and empowerment remains unwavering as she navigates the complexities of being a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.