Carrie Ann Inaba Faces Harsh Criticism Amid DWTS Judging Scrutiny

Carrie Ann Inaba, a long-time judge on Dancing With the Stars (DWTS), has faced substantial criticism from fans this season for her tough and sometimes inconsistent scoring, particularly towards contestants like Robert Irwin, Danielle Fishel, and Pasha Pashkov. Despite the backlash, including calls for her to be fired, Inaba has defended her judging approach, emphasizing that differing opinions make the show engaging and encouraging viewers to vote for what they believe in. Fellow DWTS pro Cheryl Burke has publicly supported Inaba, highlighting the extra scrutiny she faces as a woman and affirming that Inaba is simply doing her job well. Inaba has also responded to criticism with humor and grace, notably posting a TikTok video lip-syncing to Taylor Swift's "Actually Romantic," conveying her indifference to the negative comments. Her extensive dance background, including work as a Fly Girl on In Living Color and touring with Madonna, underpins her credentials, and her estimated net worth is around $7 million due to her varied career. While some fans continue to mock her judging style, others defend her as an essential part of the show’s dynamic and integrity.