Carrie Ann Inaba is speaking out for the first time since a comment about a lift led to the most drama the “Dancing With the Stars” franchise has seen in years.
On Oct. 24, the “DWTS” judge shared a carousel of behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram while reflecting on the emotional performances she witnessed during the Dedication Night episode on Oct. 20. One of the pictures showed her embracing pro Jenna Johnson, whom she had an intense moment with during the Super Bowl Night episode on Oct. 13.
A day later, Inaba returned to the post and addressed the back-and-forth she had with Johnson in a comment.
“I have not (spoken) about what happened because of professional courtesy for those who are still competing, and we actually have standards and practices that keep us separated,” she wrote. “But I think a part of this ‘headline’ has missed a few important parts of what happened. I think it’s important for everyone to know that Jenna and I hugged it out after the Super Bowl show.”
Inaba complimented Johnson for her response to the situation.
“Jenna was an absolute professional about it, and two women worked through the moment,” she praised. “It came to my attention later that Jenna was deeply hurt. So I also offered to speak with her at anytime.”
The judge then called attention to the lift rule that impacts some dances. Over the years, Inaba has become known as a stickler when it comes to the lift rule, calling out pros when they add one to a dance style when it isn’t allowed.
“I have also offered to discuss the lift rule and how I enforce it. @sharnaburgess made a great video explaining lifts, assists and which dances allow and don’t allow them,” she continued, mentioning pro Sharna Burgess.
In another comment, Inaba explained how she would like a “new lift rule” to be implemented next season.
“I think a session (with) all the dancers and the judges in a room together to discuss the history of how and why Len Goodman, our original producers and I defined the lift rule and (what) the purpose is which is safety and fairness,” she suggested. “The show has evolved tremendously, the way the show is cast has also changed, and so has our audience and the way they consume the show.”
Inaba concluded, “So, working together to create a better understanding between the dancers and the judges and our audience is important to me, as we move forward and is something I have asked for.”
The controversy surrounding the lift began after Inaba provided feedback on Johnson’s samba routine with partner Harry Shum Jr. in the Oct. 13 episode.
“A lift is, I just need to say it,” Inaba said before referring to her notes and reading a definition. “Any movement during which one of the dancers has both feet off the floor at the same time with the assistance or support of their partner. Yeah, lift.”
Following the awkward exchange, Johnson’s husband, fellow pro Val Chmerkovskiy, fired back on social media. In a since-deleted post, he shared a picture on his Instagram story with a caption that read, “You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night,” seeming referring to Will Smith’s infamous slap at the 2022 Academy Awards.
Chmerkovskiy posted an apology on his Instagram story Oct. 15, sharing that he reached out to Inaba, E! News reported.
He was given a one-week suspension from the show two days later.
“The well-being of everyone who works on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is non-negotiable,” BBC Studios said in a statement to NBC News. “Val’s social media post was inappropriate and does not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected with the show. As a result, he will not participate in next week’s show.”
TODAY.com confirmed that Chmerkovskiy’s suspension was not the result of an HR complaint filed by Inaba.
After reports of his suspension, he released a statement on his Instagram story that read, “In a moment where my instinct was to defend my wife, I made a poor decision to reference a meme to ‘keep my wife’s name’ out of the conversation, without stopping to think through what else that reference could imply which was genuinely never my intention.”
He added, “Carrie Ann certainly didn’t deserve to get caught in the middle of my bad judgment, and I hate that she was. The last thing I want is to become a distraction from an important week or from the incredible work my dance partner Jenna Dewan is putting in. Please send Carrie Ann, Jenna, and the whole ‘DWTS’ family lots of love during Dedication Night. I’ll be watching and cheering everyone on!!”
Chmerkovskiy was briefly replaced by pro Alan Bersten. He will return to the ballroom to dance with Dewan in the Oct. 27 episode.
