Dylan Efron is weighing in on the latest Dancing With The Stars judging controversy. Instead of joining the criticism aimed at Carrie Ann Inaba, the former contestant thinks she deserves more credit. The DWTS controversy began after Inaba clashed with Jenna Johnson over an alleged illegal lift. Val Chmerkovskiy later became involved in the dispute, but Dylan believes Inaba was simply doing her job.
Dylan Efron defends Carrie Ann Inaba amid the judging controversy
“Look, I think Carrie Ann was doing her job,” Dylan told Page Six.
He argued that viewers would quickly grow tired of judges who praised every performance. “They’re up there to judge,” he added.
Dylan understands the pressure of competing on the show firsthand. He finished fourth on Dancing with the Stars Season 34 with pro Daniella Karagach.
He also believes each judge brings something different to the table. According to Dylan, Bruno Tonioli focuses heavily on performance, while Derek Hough emphasizes technique.
Carrie Ann, meanwhile, often judges the emotion behind a routine. Dylan acknowledged that such assessments may not always be accurate. Still, he called her approach “brave,” acknowledging that judging the emotional impact of a performance can be subjective.
The current controversy began when Carrie Ann questioned Jenna Johnson over an allegedly illegal lift during her samba with Harry Shum Jr.
The disagreement soon grew beyond the judges’ table. Jenna’s husband, Val Chmerkovskiy, posted a comment referencing Will Smith’s Oscars slap. BBC Studios then suspended Val for one episode.
Val later apologized and returned to the ballroom on October 27 after serving his one-episode suspension. He and Carrie Ann have since talked through the controversy and shared a hug.
Carrie Ann has also said she and Jenna resolved their disagreement privately. She even suggested that DWTS revisit its lift rules before another season creates the same confusion.
Dylan’s take cuts through much of the backlash. While viewers may disagree with Carrie Ann’s decisions, Dylan believes offering constructive criticism is an essential part of a judge’s role.
