Jenna Johnson Faces Criticism From Carrie Ann Inaba on 'DWTS
WHO:
US Magazine - Val Chmerkovskiy, a professional dancer and husband of Jenna Johnson, defended her after the lift debate.
US Magazine - Jenna Johnson, a professional dancer on "Dancing With the Stars" (DWTS), and Carrie Ann Inaba, a judge on the show.
NY Post - Carrie Ann Inaba, a judge on "Dancing With the Stars," criticized Jenna Johnson.
WHAT:
US Magazine - Chmerkovskiy commented on a TikTok video of Johnson and Harry Shum Jr. receiving their scores, stating, "Puts some respect on her name."
US Magazine - Jenna Johnson performed a samba with Harry Shum during "Super Bowl Night."
US Magazine - Carrie Ann Inaba called out Jenna Johnson for a lift during the performance.
NY Post - Inaba expressed disapproval of Johnson's samba choreography during the live show.
WHEN:
US Magazine - The critique occurred during "Super Bowl Night," which took place on a Tuesday.
WHY:
US Magazine - Jenna Johnson stated that being called out for a lift typically refers to when a partner lifts the dancer, implying a misunderstanding of the critique.
HOW:
US Magazine - Chmerkovskiy's defense was made through social media, specifically in the comments section of a TikTok video.
US Magazine - Jenna Johnson addressed the criticism in an interview with Extra after the performance.
(UPDATED October 15, 2026 02:09 UTC)
Val Chmerkovskiy, a professional dancer and husband of Jenna Johnson, has come to her defense following a recent debate over a lift during their performance. He made his comments on a TikTok video featuring Johnson and Harry Shum Jr. receiving their scores, stating, "Puts some respect on her name." Chmerkovskiy's support was expressed through social media, specifically in the comments section of that TikTok video.
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(UPDATED October 14, 2026 21:01 UTC)
Jenna Johnson, a professional dancer on "Dancing With the Stars," recently performed a samba with Harry Shum during "Super Bowl Night," where she faced criticism from judge Carrie Ann Inaba for a lift in her choreography. Inaba expressed her disapproval during the live show, prompting Johnson to clarify in an interview that being called out for a lift usually refers to a partner lifting the dancer, suggesting a misunderstanding of the critique. Johnson addressed the situation further in an interview with Extra after the performance, shedding light on the controversy surrounding her routine.