Carrie Ann Inaba on Val Chmerkovskiy's 'DWTS' Suspension, New Lift Rule

Key Points:

• Carrie Ann Inaba addressed recent controversy on "Dancing With the Stars," emphasizing professional courtesy and revealing she has not spoken earlier out of respect for current competitors and show protocols.
• Inaba clarified her dispute with Jenna Johnson over lifts during the Oct. 20 episode, noting they reconciled afterward and that she has offered to discuss lift rules openly to clear misunderstandings.
• She acknowledged criticism over inconsistent enforcement of lift penalties and advocated for a revised lift rule involving judges and dancers to ensure safety, fairness, and better audience understanding in future seasons.
• The ballroom atmosphere has been tense following Inaba's lift comments and Val Chmerkovskiy's inappropriate TikTok post referencing a 2022 Oscars incident, which led to his temporary benching by BBC Studios.
• Chmerkovskiy apologized publicly and personally to Inaba, admitting his social media reaction was poorly judged and unintended to cause harm, particularly to Carrie Ann.