Inaba Reconciles with Johnson, Proposes New Lift Rules After Chmerkovskiy Suspension

Key points

• Carrie Ann Inaba stated she remained silent on the controversy out of professional courtesy to those still competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
• Inaba confirmed she and Jenna Johnson 'hugged it out' after the October 13 episode, noting that Johnson was professional but deeply hurt by the lift critique.
• Inaba proposed a new lift rule for next season, suggesting a session with all dancers and judges to discuss the history and purpose of the rule, which she defined as safety and fairness.
• Val Chmerkovskiy returned to the show for 'Horror Movie Night' after a one-week suspension for a TikTok post referencing the 2022 Will Smith Oscars slap.
• Chmerkovskiy apologized for his post, stating he made a poor decision to reference a meme to 'keep his wife's name' out of the conversation without considering the implications.

Background

The controversy began on October 13, 2026, during 'Dancing With the Stars' 'Super Bowl Night,' when judge Carrie Ann Inaba criticized pro dancer Jenna Johnson for a lift violation. Johnson's husband, Val Chmerkovskiy, responded with a TikTok post referencing the 2022 Oscars incident where Will Smith slapped Chris Rock to defend his wife. This led to Chmerkovskiy's one-week suspension, during which his partner Jenna Dewan performed with substitute Alan Bersten. Chmerkovskiy returned to the show on October 28, 2026, for 'Horror Movie Night,' after his suspension was officially lifted on October 21. Inaba's comments come amid ongoing tensions in the ballroom, with the judge advocating for clearer standards and better understanding between judges, dancers, and the audience as the show evolves.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six, Variety, and Deadline all report on Carrie Ann Inaba's recent statements regarding the 'Dancing With the Stars' controversy. Page Six emphasizes Inaba's explanation for her silence, citing professional courtesy, and her proposal for a new lift rule. Variety highlights Inaba's reconciliation with Jenna Johnson and her call for a new lift rule, noting the tension in the ballroom since the October 13 episode. Deadline focuses on Inaba's call for a new lift rule and her reconciliation with Johnson, while also detailing Chmerkovskiy's apology and return to the show. All three outlets agree on the key facts: Inaba's silence was due to professional courtesy, she reconciled with Johnson, and she proposed a new lift rule. However, Page Six and Variety place more emphasis on Inaba's explanation for her silence and the reconciliation, while Deadline focuses more on the call for a new lift rule and Chmerkovskiy's apology. The outlets also differ in their emphasis on the impact of the controversy on the show, with Page Six and Variety noting the tension in the ballroom, while Deadline focuses more on the resolution and the call for change.

Why it matters

The 'Dancing With the Stars' controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between judges and dancers regarding the enforcement of rules, particularly the lift rule. Inaba's proposal for a new lift rule and her call for a session with all dancers and judges to discuss the history and purpose of the rule indicate a need for clearer standards and better understanding between judges, dancers, and the audience. The controversy also underscores the impact of social media on the show, with Chmerkovskiy's suspension and apology demonstrating the consequences of inappropriate online behavior. As the show evolves, with changes in casting and audience consumption, the need for clearer standards and better communication between judges and dancers becomes increasingly important. The resolution of the controversy and the call for change may have implications for future seasons of the show, potentially leading to a more harmonious relationship between judges and dancers and a clearer understanding of the rules.

What to watch

Carrie Ann Inaba has proposed a new lift rule for next season, suggesting a session with all dancers and judges to discuss the history and purpose of the rule. This could lead to a more harmonious relationship between judges and dancers and a clearer understanding of the rules. Val Chmerkovskiy has returned to the show, and his partner Jenna Dewan will continue to compete. The controversy may have implications for future seasons of the show, potentially leading to a more harmonious relationship between judges and dancers and a clearer understanding of the rules. The show may also see changes in how it handles social media and online behavior, with a focus on the well-being of everyone involved. The resolution of the controversy and the call for change may also have implications for the show's audience, potentially leading to a better understanding of the rules and the show's evolution.