DWTS judge Carrie Inaba breaks silence on Chmerkovskiy suspension and lift-rule dispute
Inaba explains her silence
Inaba addressed the controversy in a comment on her latest Instagram post. She said professional courtesy toward those still competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy had kept her from speaking publicly.
She also said the public discussion had left out important parts of what happened. Inaba, 58, noted that standards and practices keep judges separated from contestants.
Tense exchange over a lift
The disagreement took place during “Super Bowl Night” on Oct. 13. Inaba and Jenna Johnson, who is married to Chmerkovskiy, clashed over a lift in Johnson and Harry Shum Jr.’s samba.
Johnson reportedly broke down backstage, while Chmerkovskiy reportedly comforted her. Inaba said she and Johnson hugged after the show, and described Johnson as professional during the exchange.
A proposal to review rules
Inaba said she later learned Johnson had been deeply hurt and offered to speak with her. The judge, known as the “lift police,” also offered to discuss how she applies the lift rule.
In a separate comment, Inaba proposed bringing dancers and judges together next season to discuss the rule’s history and purpose. She said safety and fairness were central, and pointed to a video by pro Sharna Burgess explaining lifts, assists and which dances allow them.
Suspension lifted before return
Chmerkovskiy’s one-week suspension followed a social media post referencing Will Smith’s Oscars slap. After Inaba criticized his wife, he wrote that viewers almost saw the Fresh Prince enter the ballroom; he later apologized after backlash.
He missed “Dedication Night,” where his partner Jenna Dewan performed a Viennese waltz with pro Alan Bersten. The suspension was lifted on Oct. 21, and a source said Chmerkovskiy reunited with Dewan at rehearsals before his planned return for “Horror Movie Night.”
Key points
- Inaba said professional courtesy kept her from discussing the controversy while contestants were still competing.
- She said she and Johnson hugged after their disagreement over a lift.
- Inaba proposed a joint discussion of the lift rule for dancers and judges next season.
- Chmerkovskiy’s suspension was lifted on Oct. 21 after he missed “Dedication Night.”