Carrie Ann Inaba, renowned judge on the popular reality competition series *Dancing with the Stars*, recently opened up about her experiences with viewer criticism and how she manages to cope with negativity. In an interview published on 29 June, Inaba, who has been a part of the franchise since its inception in 2005, provided insight into her approach to navigating the often harsh remarks that can come from fans.
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Inaba elaborated on a self-help book that she credits for helping her deal with comments from the audience. She revealed that she would read *The Four Agreements* by Don Miguel Ruiz before filming each episode. This book, Inaba believes, instilled in her the importance of honesty, integrity, and self-reflection, which has significantly helped her to manage feedback—both positive and negative.
Reflecting on her experiences over the years, Inaba noted that she has learned to embrace the subjective nature of dance criticism. “Because I’m offering my thoughts, I must be open to the opinions of others,” she commented, indicating a shift in her perspective that comes with recognising the diversity of viewpoints among the show’s audience.
The recent season of *Dancing with the Stars*, specifically season 34, was described by Inaba as “the easiest year” for her, as she felt a sense of community with other judges and contestants facing similar criticism. “Everyone was receiving negative comments, not just me,” she shared. “In the past, it felt more isolating, and I believe that’s partially due to my being a woman who often speaks about broader themes beyond just the technical aspects of dancing.”
Inaba expressed confidence in her role as a judge, stating that her comments are intended to support the dancers who put their hearts into each performance. “Everything I say is designed to offer assistance, and it’s not always an easy task,” she remarked, underscoring her commitment to providing honest feedback for those who compete on the show.
The current judging panel of *Dancing with the Stars* consists of Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. In past reflections, she has addressed the toll that online criticism has taken on her mental health, admitting that she has had to speak with therapists about the emotional impact of the abuse she occasionally receives. “I had to learn to always step into my truth whenever I joined the judging panel,” she explained, highlighting the ongoing journey of self-acceptance and resilience.
Inaba fondly recalled how initial negative comments had a profound effect on her. “I remember feeling shocked by some of the harsh words directed towards me, particularly given my previous experiences as a dancer where the focus was usually on fan support,” she explained. Now as a judge, she recognises that entering this new territory comes with its own set of challenges.
As the upcoming 35th season of the show approaches, scheduled to premiere this autumn on ABC and Disney+, Inaba and her co-judges will continue to provide viewers with insights and critiques. The anticipation is palpable as fans await the announcement of the celebrity contestants and professional dancers for this season, set to be revealed on 2 September.
As *Dancing with the Stars* prepares to launch another season, Inaba’s journey through criticism serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by public figures in the entertainment industry. Her resilience and commitment to honesty not only enrich the programme but also offer valuable lessons on acceptance, the subjective nature of judgement, and the power of community support.