Entertainment · TV & Streaming · 5 hrs ago
Carrie Ann Inaba calls for a new ‘DWTS’ lift rule
Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba says she and pro dancer Jenna Johnson hugged after a disagreement over a lift in Johnson’s dance with Harry Shum Jr. Inaba had called out the lift during the show, and Johnson said she understood the critique.
Johnson was hurt by the exchange, Inaba said, and she has offered to speak with her about it.
Johnson’s husband, pro dancer Val Chmerkovskiy, posted a comment alluding to the 2022 Oscars slap involving Will Smith and Chris Rock after the critique.
The show suspended Chmerkovskiy for one week over the post, which the broadcaster said was inappropriate.
Inaba says the lift rule is meant to support safety and fairness, but she has faced criticism over how it is applied.
She wants dancers and judges to discuss a new rule for next season as the show and its audience change.
Jenna Dewan, Chmerkovskiy’s celebrity partner, danced with Alan Bersten while he was suspended; Chmerkovskiy has since returned to rehearsals with her.
Carrie Ann Inaba says a new lift rule should be created for next season of Dancing with the Stars.
She proposed a meeting with dancers and judges to review the rule and its goals of safety and fairness.
Inaba said she and Jenna Johnson hugged after the critique and that she offered to discuss the rule with her.
The dispute intensified after Johnson’s husband, Val Chmerkovskiy, posted a social media comment referencing the 2022 Oscars slap.
BBC Studios suspended Chmerkovskiy for one week, saying his post was inappropriate.
- Who
- Carrie Ann Inaba, a Dancing with the Stars judge, proposed a new lift rule.
- What
- She called for the rule to be reviewed and potentially changed for next season.
- When
- Inaba made the proposal in Instagram comments reported on October 27, 2026.
- Where
- The proposal concerns Dancing with the Stars.
- Why
- Inaba said the show has evolved and that clearer understanding of the rule could support safety and fairness.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Inaba critiqued a lift in Jenna Johnson and Harry Shum Jr.’s routine, according to People.com and TV Insider.
Chmerkovskiy apologized in an Instagram Story for a social media reference that he said was not intended to imply he wanted to slap Inaba.
Johnson and Inaba hugged at the live show, while Johnson’s husband, Chmerkovskiy, was suspended from the episode, according to TV Insider.
Inaba wrote on Instagram that she and Johnson had hugged and proposed a new lift rule for next season.
Variety and People.com published reports on Inaba’s comments.
- Proposed change
- A new lift rule for next season
- Purpose of rule
- Safety and fairness
- People invited to discuss rule
- Dancers and judges
- Suspension
- Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended for one week
- Social media reference
- Chmerkovskiy referenced the 2022 Oscars slap involving Will Smith and Chris Rock
4 sources
Carrie Ann Inaba on Val Chmerkovskiy's 'DWTS' Suspension, New Lift Rule
Carrie Ann Inaba Breaks Silence on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Lift Drama with Jenna Johnson
DWTS’ Jenna Dewan Reunites With Val Chmerkovskiy After His Suspension
‘DWTS’ Jenna Johnson & Carrie Ann Inaba Share Sweet Moment After Val’s Controversy
What people are saying
I think in the future, a new lift rule should be created for next season.
I think it’s important for everyone to know that Jenna and I hugged it out after the Super Bowl show,
The well-being of everyone who works on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is non-negotiable.
Carrie Ann certainly didn't deserve to get caught in the middle of my bad judgment, and I hate that she was,