‘DWTS’ Judge Carrie Ann Inaba Speaks Out After Val Chmerkovskiy’s Suspension, Calls for a ‘New Lifting Rule’

Carrie Ann Inaba finally addresses the Dancing with the stars drama after Val Chmerkovskiy suspension and calls for ‘new lifting rule’.

THE DWTS The judge made controversial comments on the October 13 episode and called professional dancer Jenna Johnson for a lift, something ballroom dancing competitions strongly disapprove of.

“I have not spoken out about what happened out of professional courtesy to those who are still competing, and we actually have standards and practices that separate us,” Inaba said in a recent Instagram post.

During the episode, Inaba and Johnson had a tense exchange over the definition of an elevator. Chmerkovskiy, who is married to Johnson, posted a questionable comment on social media saying: “You almost saw Fresh Prince walk into the ballroom last night. » The comment was in reference to Will Smith going on stage at the Oscars and slapping Chris Rock in defense of his wife. After the comment, Chmerkovskiy received a one-week suspension, with BBC Studios calling the professional dancer’s social media post “inappropriate” and not reflecting “the values ​​or standards expected of anyone connected with the show.”

Inaba shared in her new social media post that she squashed the beef with Johnson.

“I think part of that ‘title’ left out some important parts of what happened,” Inaba said. “I think it’s important for everyone to know that Jenna and I hugged each other after the Super Bowl show. Jenna was an absolute professional about it, and two women worked during that moment. I later learned that Jenna was deeply injured, so I also offered to talk to her at any time. I also offered to discuss the lift rule and how I apply it. @sharnaburgess made a great video explaining lifts, assists and what dances allow them and don’t allow them.

In the comments, Inaba continued: “I think going forward a new lifting rule should be created for next season. I think a session with all the dancers and judges in a room together to discuss the history of how and why Len Goodman, our original producers and I came up with the lifting rule and what the purpose is, which is safety and fairness. As the show has evolved tremendously, the way the show is presented has changed as well, as has our audience and the way it is presented. consumes the show. So working together to create a better understanding between the dancers, judges and our audience is important to me as we move forward and it’s something I’ve asked for.

Chmerkovskiy has since deleted his comment on social media and apologized to Inaba, saying: “At a time when my instinct was to defend my wife, I made the poor decision to reference a meme to ‘keep my wife’s name’ out of the conversation, without thinking about what else that reference might imply, which was truly never my intention. Carrie Ann certainly did not deserve to be caught in the middle of my poor judgment, and I hate that she was.”