Carrie Ann Inaba has stirred up online heat with another remark.
The “Dancing with the Stars” longtime judge made a comment after the first dance of Grammy Night on the show’s ongoing 35th season that did not sit right with many viewers. Fellow judges admitted the remark was weird, and the online audience wasted no time calling her out.
This is not Carrie Ann Inaba’s first rodeo at commenting on dance partners’ connections in the ballroom. As “DWTS” longest-serving judge, she frequently praises pairs for radiating warmth and intimacy in their dances.
Inaba made everyone cringe with a comment that many perceived as inappropriate. The remark came after the first competitive dance of the night on Tuesday, November 10, performed by Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech and his pro partner, Daniella Karagach.
The pair, who have grown close throughout the season and share a sibling-like bond, performed the Argentine tango to “Crazy in Love (Remix)” by Beyoncé. The dance style called for a closer physical connection and sensual movements.
“That was by far the hardest dance you’ve done so far. Am I right?” Inaba said in her feedback before the scores were announced. “The intimacy. Turning your sister into your lover for one night is all good!” she added while Karagach cringed and the athlete laughed.
“Sister to lover, that’s awkward,” co-host Alfonso Ribeiro chimed in, to which fellow judge Derek Hough said, “Tell me about it; that was weird.”
Fans Did Not Find Humor In The ‘DWTS’ Judge’s Statement
Online supporters did not hold back their reaction to Inaba’s comment. Some highlighted the age gap between Frech and Karagach, as well as the brother-sister dynamic they’ve gushed about all season.
“OK Carrie Ann this ain’t Game of Thrones [crying emojis] a user wrote on X, while another added, “oh Carrie Ann… why would you say something like that.” Others labeled Inaba’s comments as “insane” and “gross.”
“‘Turning your sister into your lover’ are words you should never utter on TV. Someone needs to mute Carrie Ann Inaba sometimes,” a netizen penned.
At the same time, another user in a TikTok video highlighted that her comment did not come off right, considering the Hough siblings, who are professional dancers and have shared the stage, were in the same room.
The Argentine Tango Was Out Of Ezra Frech’s Comfort Zone
During the pair’s intro package, Karagach was seen explaining the dance style to her celebrity partner as they began rehearsals. She described the routine as a “sexy intimate dance,” telling Frech, “We have a strong bond; we’re truly like brother and sister. But this dance does not give off sibling energy.”
The Paralympian admitted he had to step out of his comfort zone for the routine and put his all into the dance because, if he held back, the audience would notice.
Frech seemed to find comfort in the relationship he has built with his pro partner over the past weeks. “At least I’m doing it with someone that I’m really comfortable being around,” he said. Judge Bruno Tonioli, while giving his feedback after the dance, called the pair “incredible,” adding that they were “smoldering.”
He also joked about the sensual aspect of their routine, telling Frech, “I need to remind you she’s a married woman,” which made the audience laugh. The couple got all 9s from the judges, totaling 27 out of 30, and are through to the semifinals next week.
During the after-show interviews, Frech and Karagach spoke to Entertainment Weekly, where they were asked about Inaba’s “weird” comment. “We’re not gonna talk about it,” she said as the athlete screamed, “Oh!!!” and chuckled.
The one-time mirrorball winner then added, “You know she means love. Carrie Ann is always full of love.” Speaking further with the outlet, Karagach explained that every partnership has its peculiar form of chemistry that keeps them comfortable while they dance.
She noted that she and her celeb partner share “family love for one another,” but for this routine, they had to get into character and commit to a befitting performance.
‘DWTS’ Judge Carrie Ann Inaba Has Not Been A Fan Favorite This Season
Inaba got in the middle of controversy earlier in the season. Known for calling out lifts in routines and deducting points for “illegal lifts,” she criticized Jenna Johnson and her partner, Harry Shum Jr., for a lift during their week 4 samba routine.
Johnson’s husband, Val Chmerkovskiy, made a since-deleted controversial TikTok referring to Will Smith’s infamous slap at the Oscars, which later led to his suspension.
On Grammy Night, Inaba also got booed by the audience for her feedback after Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold’s dance-off against Mark Ballas and Maura Higgins. She highlighted that their routine was less technical and had “a lot of country line dancing,” which is unconventional for a cha-cha.
As the longest-serving judge on the ABC show, Inaba has learned to develop a tough skin when it comes to the negative comments. She revealed that she reads Don Miguel Ruiz’s book “The Four Agreements” before filming and reminds herself that it’s really important to be honest and have integrity in her words.
She told Woman’s World that her brutally honest approach on the show stems from her experience and her desire to help the dancers do better.
Will this be the last weird statement Carrie Ann Inaba will make before this season wraps up?
