**Carrie Ann Inaba and Steve Kazee Defend Jenna Dewan Amid Fan Speculation**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/jenna-dewan-steve-kazee-val-CHMERKOVSKIY-100826-5709e180c6354752a4887a005f82ecbc.jpg)

Tensions flared on social media after fans speculated about the perceived chemistry between Jenna Dewan and her dance partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, on the popular television show *Dancing with the Stars*. Dewan’s fiancé, Steve Kazee, took to Instagram to voice his thoughts regarding the comments directed at the couple following their performance on the show.

During the October 6 episode, viewers noticed a particularly intimate moment between Dewan and Chmerkovskiy, sparking controversy. In a post shared by blogger @stephwithdadeets, comments suggested that Dewan’s actions during the dance, which included wrapping her leg around Chmerkovskiy, were inappropriate. Kazee swiftly addressed the situation in the comments, questioning the intense scrutiny and suggesting that fans were overreacting.
Kazee, who has been engaged to Dewan since 2020, wrote, “They don’t have chemistry. They have too much chemistry. They have chemistry in the wrong places. Make up your minds. Y’all really got too much time on your hands.” His comments highlighted the balance of personal relationships versus public perception, inviting followers to reconsider their assumptions.
In addition, Kazee expressed confidence in the relationships involved by stating, “The spouses are unbothered,” while also paying homage to his fiancée by insisting that fans should pronounce her name correctly when discussing her. “Also put some respect on my queen’s name and at least pronounce her name correctly when you try to slander her,” he remarked.
*Dancing with the Stars* judge Carrie Ann Inaba also weighed in on the discussion, advocating for a more respectful approach from fans. “Dancers are physical beings. This is like the way we say hello,” she commented underneath the same post. Her statement was meant to clarify the nature of dance and the physical connection that is fundamental to the performances on the show.
Kazee’s support for Dewan has been vocal since she made her debut on *Dancing with the Stars* in September. In a prior Instagram post from September 30, he expressed his admiration for Dewan’s dedication to the competition. He remarked on her unwavering efforts, sharing, “The amount of literal blood, sweat, and tears she has poured into this journey over the last month has been beyond amazing to witness.”
His post went on to explore the struggles that come with putting oneself in the public eye, mentioning the barrage of opinions and criticisms celebrities often face. Despite the challenges, Kazee praised Dewan’s resilience and commitment to enjoying the process, stating that she has managed to maintain her positivity and openness.
Dewan, appreciative of Kazee’s support, responded to his heartfelt message with gratitude. “Omg my heart!! thank you baby,” she commented, while Chmerkovskiy also chimed in with an affirmation of his own, expressing his admiration for both Dewan and her partner.
The current season of *Dancing with the Stars* continues to air weekly on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, capturing viewers’ hearts with its blend of dance, competition, and heartfelt personal stories. The engagement of celebs like Dewan and Kazee offers a glimpse into their relationships outside of the ballroom, amid the vying opinions of the ever-watchful audience.
As fan discussions persist, the conversation around professionalism in dance and the interpretations of intimacy within performances will likely continue. Both Kazee and Inaba’s comments serve as reminders that relationships between dance partners can be misunderstood, as viewers navigate their feelings and perceptions through the lens of traditional norms surrounding physical interaction.
In a world where social media often magnifies scrutiny, the support from partners and colleagues like Kazee and Inaba underscores the importance of respect and understanding, both for performers and their families. The unfolding story of Dewan and her performances promises not only to provoke conversation but also to highlight the dedication required to excel in such a challenging environment.
