“Dancing With the Stars” judge Carrie Ann Inaba is responding with grace after fans called her out for being too tough on the dance floor. The longtime judge, 57, took a moment to address the criticism directly in the comments of an Instagram post she shared on Wednesday, October 15. Rather than getting defensive, Inaba opened up the conversation and encouraged fans to share their opinions, reminding them that passionate debate is part of what makes the show special.
Inaba Responds To Fan Comments
“It’s okay to disagree about what we see. That’s what makes our show great,” Inaba wrote in one of the comments, as reported by US Weekly. “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.”
Her response came after fans questioned her scoring of certain contestants. One viewer wrote, “Giving Whitney [Leavitt] a nine but Robert [Irwin] an 8, GIRLLL please get it together.” Another added, “Can you explain why you gave Whitney a 9 when she was off beat… but Robert and Jen [Affleck] had a beautiful dance and you scored them lower?”
Responding to another comment, Inaba wrote: “Thank you. 🙏 I’ve been doing this for a long time. Haters come with every season. And they are really people who are passionate about who they want to win, and when we disagree, they express themselves in the best way they know how. 🙌 Thanks for the love. ❤️ #respect #respectforall”
Audience Reaction To ‘Dedication Night’
Earlier this week, Carrie Ann Inaba faced a tough crowd during the “Dedication Night” episode of “Dancing With the Stars” on Tuesday, October 14.
“Boy Meets World” alum Danielle Fishel and her partner Pasha Pashkov took the stage for an emotional performance, joined by Fishel’s former costar William Daniels, best known to fans as Mr. Feeny. The touching reunion earned cheers from the audience, but Inaba offered a different take.
“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 audience reacted with loud boos, but Fishel later proved there were no hard feelings. Speaking to Us Weekly, the actress said she appreciated Inaba’s honesty. “I absolutely understand what Carrie Ann was saying, and it’s the reason I did not take any offense to it,” Fishel shared. “I appreciate it.”
Inaba Says Criticism Comes with the Job
Inaba has long been known for her honest feedback, and she previously addressed similar backlash. Speaking to Parade in October 2023, she said she understands that passionate fans will always have opinions.
“The whole point is we want people to have their opinions,” Inaba explained. “The reason why people get invested in this competition is because they have an opinion, and it matters.”
She added, “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.”
Despite the criticism, Inaba continues to handle feedback with grace. She often reminds fans that her comments are meant to help contestants grow, not discourage them. Her latest social media exchange reflects that same mindset: one that values honesty, respect, and the shared passion that keeps Dancing With the Stars fans tuning in every week.
Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
