Carrie Ann Inaba isn’t backing down.
The Dancing With the Stars judge is clapping back after some fans accused her of dishing out unfair scores during the show’s latest episodes. In the comments section of an Instagram post she shared on Wednesday, October 15, the 57-year-old judge addressed the backlash head-on, reminding viewers that their opinions matter, too.
“It’s okay to disagree about what we see. That’s what makes our show great,” she wrote. “You have a say in the matter. We want you to vote for what you love and believe in. I appreciate your comment and the way you expressed your feelings. 
thank you for your passion and your opinion.”
Her response came amid a flood of comments questioning her scoring decisions this season. One fan wrote, “Giving Whitney [Leavitt] a 9 but Robert [Irwin] an 8, GIRLLL please get it together.” Another added, “Can you explain why you gave Whitney a 9 when she was off beat and also has prior dance experience so she shouldn’t be off beat, but Robert and even Jen [Affleck] had a beautiful dance, timing was impeccable and you scored them lower? Just confusing to watch and wondering what goes through your mind when giving those scores.”
A post shared by Carrie Ann Inaba (@carrieanninaba)
The debate over her scoring follows an already heated moment earlier in the week when Inaba was booed by the studio audience during the Tuesday, October 14 episode. The theme of the night was “Dedication Night,” and Boy Meets World alum Danielle Fishel and her dance partner Pasha Pashkov performed a heartfelt routine that included a surprise appearance by William Daniels — a.k.a. the beloved Mr. Feeny.
While the nostalgic performance charmed fans, Inaba didn’t let sentimentality sway her critique. “I love a throwback, but I have to say this,” she told the couple. “Some of your dances are starting to feel like I’m watching the same dance over and over again.”
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She then added, “Try to give a little bit more variety as far as dynamics. This is also on you, Pasha.” Her feedback was immediately met with boos from the audience.
Despite the crowd’s reaction, Fishel made it clear she took the criticism in stride. Speaking to Us Weekly, the 44-year-old actress explained, “I absolutely understand what Carrie Ann was saying, and it’s the reason I did not take any offense to it. I appreciate it.”
