Carrie Ann Inaba has addressed the controversy surrounding her recent disagreement with fellow Dancing With the Stars professional Jenna Johnson. The judge shared her perspective nearly two weeks after the incident sparked public discussion. She also proposed revisiting the show’s controversial lift rule ahead of next season.
Carrie Ann Inaba addresses Jenna Johnson dispute and proposes new lift rule
On Monday, October 26, Inaba addressed the incident involving Jenna Johnson and her husband, Val Chmerkovskiy. The disagreement began when Inaba criticized an allegedly prohibited lift during Johnson and Harry Shum Jr.’s samba on October 13.
“I have not spoken about what happened because of professional courtesy for those who are still competing,” Inaba explained on Instagram. She added that certain standards and practices had kept the parties separated. However, she believed the headlines had overlooked important details.
Inaba clarified that she and Johnson had already resolved their disagreement privately. “Jenna and I hugged it out after the Super Bowl show,” she wrote. She also described Johnson as “an absolute professional” throughout their conversation.
The judge also suggested revisiting the DWTS lift rule before next season. “I think a new lift rule should be created for next season,” Inaba stated. She proposed bringing dancers and judges together to discuss the rule’s history and purpose.
Inaba explained that safety and fairness originally shaped the rule. However, the show’s casting and audience have changed considerably since its early seasons. She believes clearer communication could help everyone understand how judges enforce the restrictions.
The controversy intensified after Val Chmerkovskiy criticized Inaba’s judging on social media. His comments included an apparent reference to Will Smith’s infamous Oscars slap. Chmerkovskiy later apologized publicly and acknowledged that his post reflected poor judgment.
BBC Studios subsequently confirmed his suspension for the show’s sixth week. The production company called his social media post inappropriate and inconsistent with its standards. Chmerkovskiy missed Dedication Night while his celebrity partner, Jenna Dewan, danced with Alan Bersten.
The controversy has since raised questions about professionalism and judging consistency on DWTS. Inaba’s proposed rule changes could help prevent similar disagreements in future seasons. However, the show has not announced any official changes to its lift regulations.
