Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba is hitting back after being accused of harsh scoring by some viewers.
In the comments section of an Instagram post she shared on Wednesday, October 15, Inaba, 57, addressed the criticism she’s received by DWTS fans who don’t always agree with her scores.
“It’s okay to disagree about what we see. That’s what makes our show great,” she wrote. “You have a say in the matter. We want you to vote for what you love and believe in. I appreciate your comment and the way you expressed your feelings. ❤️ thank you for your passion and your opinion.”
Inaba’s remark appeared to be in response to the many comments on the post, which took issue with the scores given to certain celebrities competing on the show.
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“Giving Whitney [Leavitt] a 9 but Robert [Irwin] an 8, GIRLLL please get it together,” one follower wrote.
Another commented, “Can you explain why you gave Whitney a 9 when she was off beat and also has prior dance experience so she shouldn’t be off beat, but Robert and even Jen [Affleck] had a beautiful dance, timing was impeccable and you scored them lower? Just confusing to watch and wondering what goes through your mind when giving those scores.”
Earlier this week, Inaba was booed by the DWTS audience when she delivered tough feedback during the Tuesday, October 14 episode of the reality show.
For the “Dedication Night” episode, Boy Meets World alum Danielle Fishel and her dance partner Pasha Pashkov were joined on stage by the actress’ former costar William Daniels (a.k.a. Mr. Feeny).
While fans were touched by the inclusion of Daniels, 98, in the dance Inaba wasn’t completely won over by the nostalgia factor alone.
“I love a throwback, but I have to say this,” Inaba began. “Some of your dances are starting to feel like I’m watching the same dance over and over again.”
She continued, “Try to give a little bit more variety as far as dynamics. This is also on you, Pasha.”
The studio audience was heard audibly booing in response to Inaba’s comments.
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Speaking exclusively to Us Weekly, Fishel, 44, said she wasn’t offended by the judge’s remarks, however.
“I absolutely understand what Carrie Ann was saying, and it’s the reason I did not take any offense to it,” she told Us on Tuesday. “I appreciate it.”
Inaba previously addressed the backlash and boos, telling Parade in October 2023 that she wasn’t bothered by the negative reactions.
“The whole point is we want people to have their opinions. The reason why people get invested in this competition is because they have an opinion, and it matters,” she told the outlet. “We are one of the few [shows where ] judges actually hold up scores. So, what we do matters, but also what everybody does at home matters. So, it’s good that they boo. I think it shows that they’re really supporting somebody.”
Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
