Maksim Chmerkovskiy Calls Out Carrie Ann Inaba Over DWTS Rulebook

Appearing on the Viall Files podcast, the former DWTS pro argued that the rulebook regarding lifts applies strictly to couples, not to routines incorporating troupe dancers. Chmerkovskiy maintained that while Inaba’s critique of the pair’s samba technique held merit, her reliance on technical rule violations was misplaced. He urged the judge to maintain greater consistency, noting that the inclusion of background dancers should not trigger the same restrictions as a partner-on-partner maneuver.

The controversy began when Inaba interrupted Johnson and Shum Jr. live on air to cite a violation, leaving the professional dancer visibly surprised. Despite the public scrutiny, Johnson later stated she accepted the feedback and intended to focus on her performance. This incident is the latest in a series of critiques directed at Inaba, who has recently faced fan backlash over her scoring of female contestants and remarks perceived by some viewers as condescending. For her part, Inaba has spoken openly about the immense pressure of the role, revealing that the high-stakes environment historically caused her significant anxiety.