Carrie Ann Inaba Speaks Out After Val Chmerkovskiy’s ‘DWTS’ Suspension, Requests Show to Add ‘New Lift Rule’ Next Season

Carrie Ann Inaba is speaking out about the recent drama surrounding “Dancing With the Stars,” including her controversial comments about lifts. In one photo, she’s hugging Jenna Johnson during the Oct. 20 show, which was the episode Johnson’s husband, Val Chmerkovskiy, was benched after making an inappropriate comment toward Inaba. During that episode, Inaba called out Johnson’s lifts and when she pushed back, the judge read her the definition.

Jenna was an absolute professional about it, and two women worked through the moment. It came to my attention later that Jenna was deeply hurt. So I also offered to speak with her at anytime.

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.” The judge has always docked a point from dancers who do lifts, but has faced criticism over the last few seasons from those who feel that she picks and chooses whose lifts she points out and which she lets slide. She continued in her comments, sharing that she hopes a change is made going forward. I think a session of 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 the what the purpose is which is safety and fairness,” Inaba wrote.

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 ballroom has been tense since the lift comment was made by Inaba on Oct. 20. After the episode, Chmerkovskiy posted on TikTok, “You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night,” which most assumed was a reference to Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars in 2022, after saying, “Keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth.” Chmerkovskiy quickly deleted the status, but not before many fans saw it. Before last week’s Dedication Night, BBC Studios announced that he would not be competing that week.

Val’s social media post was inappropriate and does not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected with the show,” BBC Studios said in a statement released on Saturday.