Carrie Ann Inaba Urges New Lift Rule After Chmerkovskiy Suspension
WHO:
Deadline - Carrie Ann Inaba, a judge on *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS), addressed the show’s drama involving professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy.
Variety - Carrie Ann Inaba discussed drama surrounding *Dancing With the Stars*, including her controversial comments about lifts.
Deadline - Pro dancer Jenna Johnson was called out by Inaba over a lift.
WHAT:
Deadline - Inaba called for a “new lift rule” after Chmerkovskiy was suspended.
Deadline - Inaba’s comments about a lift were described as controversial.
Variety - Inaba requested that the show add a “new lift rule” next season.
Variety - Inaba said, “I have not spoken about what happened because of professional courtesy for those who are still competing, and we actually have standards and practices that keep us separated.”
Deadline - Inaba said, “I have not…”; the article excerpt ends before completing the quote.
WHERE:
Deadline - The lift was discussed in connection with *Dancing with the Stars* and ballroom-dancing competitions.
WHEN:
Deadline - Inaba’s comments and callout of Jenna Johnson occurred on the October 13 episode.
WHY:
Variety - Inaba said she had not spoken about what happened because of “professional courtesy for those who are still competing.”
Variety - Inaba also cited the show’s “standards and practices that keep us separated.”
HOW:
Deadline - Inaba’s comments about a lift came during the show’s episode referenced in the article.
Deadline - The article says ballroom-dancing competitions strongly frown upon the type of lift Inaba called out.
(UPDATED October 28, 2026 00:09 UTC)
Carrie Ann Inaba called for a new lift rule on *Dancing with the Stars* after professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended, and she called out Jenna Johnson over a lift that ballroom competitions strongly frown upon. Inaba’s comments, which drew controversy, came on an episode of the show. She said she had stayed quiet out of professional courtesy to those still competing and because the show’s standards and practices keep people separated.
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(UPDATED October 27, 2026 23:14 UTC)
Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba called for a new lift rule next season after professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended. Her comments about a lift by Jenna Johnson drew controversy, as ballroom competitions strongly frown on that type of move. Inaba said she had stayed quiet out of professional courtesy to those still competing and because the show’s standards and practices keep participants separated.