How DWTS’ Carrie Ann Inaba Cleared the Air With Jenna Johnson

Inaba also encouraged Johnson to come to her if anything she says in her role as a DWTS judge “hurts you in any way.”

“I am always open and available to listen, discuss and find a peaceful understanding,” she wrote. “And this has always been true.”

“I love the art form of dancing. For me, it is my whole life’s work,” Inaba explained. “My opinion comes from outside the ballroom and Latin experience to balance out the panel. And that is why I have chosen to stay on the panel and speak my truth no matter what people say about me.”

And she said her goal is only to help the pro and their partner “improve,” noting she “will always be open to healing” moments if she says anything that feels hurtful. 

In another comment on her post, Inaba also revealed why she didn’t speak about the incident earlier, especially in the wake of Johnson’s husband Val Chmerkovskiyreceiving a one-week suspension from the show for alluding to Will Smith’s 2022 Oscar slap when he defended Johnson. 

“I have not spoken about what happened because of professional courtesy for those who are still competing,” she explained, “and we actually have standards and practices that keep us separated.”

Inaba reiterated that she and Johnson “hugged it out,” saying that the dancer “was an absolute professional about it.”

The incident also fueled Inaba’s desire to revisit the lift rules she had helped create for Dancing With the Stars, noting that the show has evolved over the years, meaning the rules should evolve, too. 

“Working together to create a better understanding between the dancers and the judges and our audience is important to me,” she wrote, “as we move forward and is something I have asked for.”

With DWTS’ Horror Movie Night on the horizon, keep reading for a look at all the stars competing for the Mirrorball trophy this season.