Carrie Ann Inaba, a judge on the popular television series *Dancing with the Stars*, has spoken publicly following a recent criticism she made regarding a lift performed by contestants Jenna Johnson and Harry Shum Jr. during a recent episode. Inaba took to Instagram to clarify her thoughts on the matter, revealing that she and Johnson had reconciled after the performance.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/carrie-ann-inaba-102726-7a6fe495474540e0963c1beec9181c52.jpg)
Inaba’s comments came after an episode aired on October 13, themed “Super Bowl Night,” during which she pointed out a lift in Johnson and Shum’s routine. In her Instagram post, the 58-year-old judge stated that while she maintained silence on the issue out of professional courtesy, it was essential to address the feelings surrounding the critique. Inaba highlighted that she and Johnson had subsequently made amends, stating, “Jenna was an absolute professional about it, and two women worked through the moment.”
The *Dancing with the Stars* judge noted that she was later made aware of Johnson’s feelings of hurt regarding the critique. Inaba expressed her willingness to further discuss the lift rules with Johnson or any other contestants, emphasising her commitment to fostering a supportive environment while adhering to the show’s regulations. She mentioned an informative video provided by fellow judge Sharna Burgess that detailed the rules concerning lifts, assists, and the various dances which permit these moves.
In a follow-up remark, Inaba proposed the creation of a new lift rule for future seasons. She suggested that engaging both dancers and judges in an open discussion could aid in clarifying the purpose of the existing rules, which prioritise safety and fairness. Inaba acknowledged the evolution of the show, stating, “The way the show is cast has also changed, and so has our audience and the way they consume the show.”
Under this same Instagram post, Jenna Johnson responded with a trio of heart emojis, evoking a positive exchange between the two women. Inaba subsequently reiterated her support for Johnson and praised the sentiment represented in their recent performance, which conveyed a meaningful narrative important to Asian American audiences. She reflected on the emotional and professional complexities involved, stating, “We can be complicated female human beings, working through a challenging and learning opportunity with grace.”
Moreover, Inaba expressed her sincerity and willingness to reach out if any future critiques of hers ever caused discomfort among the contestants. She asserted, “If anything I say or do in my role as a judge to speak what I see and feel about your performance on this show hurts you in any way, I am always open and available to listen, discuss and find a peaceful understanding.”
Earlier in the month, tensions escalated further when Johnson’s husband, Val Chmerkovskiy, made a since-deleted remark on TikTok that referenced past controversies, comparing Inaba’s criticism to an infamous incident involving actor Will Smith. Following backlash, he apologised to Inaba and received a brief suspension from the show before returning.
Inaba has been a fixture on the judging panel since the show’s inception in 2005. Responding to critics in her Instagram comments, she reassured that her objective is not to win favour but to provide honest feedback. “My job is to judge honestly from my tenured experience,” she clarified, encouraging viewers to formulate their own opinions and ultimately support their favourite contestants through voting.
*Dancing with the Stars* continues to capture audiences on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT, airing on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day. As viewer engagement remains strong, the discussions around performance critiques and judging standards are likely to continue. Inaba’s recent commentary reflects not only her commitment to the show’s integrity but also her sensitivity to the emotional nuances inherent in competitive performance art.