Carrie Ann Inaba’s ‘Sister to Lover’ Remark Draws Backlash

The pair danced to Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love (Remix)” on Tuesday, November 10. Inaba called it the hardest dance Frech had done so far, then said: “The intimacy. Turning your sister into your lover for one night is all good!” Karagach cringed, while Frech laughed. Co-host Alfonso Ribeiro called the wording awkward, and judge Derek Hough agreed it was weird.

Viewers objected to the phrase online, with some pointing to the sibling-like bond Frech and Karagach have described throughout the season and their age difference. Others called the remark inappropriate. In a TikTok video, one viewer also noted that professional dancers Derek and Julianne Hough, who are siblings, were in the room.

During rehearsals, Karagach had described the Argentine tango as a “sexy intimate dance.” She told Frech that although they were “truly like brother and sister,” the routine did not give off sibling energy. Frech said he had to leave his comfort zone and commit to the performance, adding that he felt comfortable dancing with Karagach. Bruno Tonioli called the pair “incredible” and “smoldering,” then joked that Frech should remember Karagach was married.

Asked about Inaba’s remark in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Karagach said, “We’re not gonna talk about it,” before adding that Inaba “means love” and is “always full of love.” She said the partnership had a family-like affection, while the dance required them to get into character. The judges gave the pair three 9s, for a total of 27 out of 30, sending them through to the semifinals next week.

Inaba has faced criticism earlier this season for calling out lifts and deducting points. She also drew boos on Grammy Night after saying Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold’s cha-cha included “a lot of country line dancing” and was less technical than the opposing routine. Inaba has said her blunt feedback comes from experience and a desire to help contestants improve.