Carrie Ann Inaba Says “Dancing with the Stars” Backlash and ‘Cruel’ Commenters ‘Scare’ Her: ‘I Shrink Down’

The Emotional Toll of “Dancing with the Stars” Backlash on Carrie Ann Inaba

For over two decades, Carrie Ann Inaba has been a familiar face on the judging panel of the hit dance competition show, “Dancing with the Stars.” Celebrating 20 years on air, the show has brought joy to millions, but for Inaba, the experience has not been without its challenges. In a candid interview, she revealed how the backlash and cruel comments from viewers have deeply affected her mental health.

Inaba explained that the negativity she encounters online doesn’t just hurt her feelings—it scares her. “I shrink down,” she admitted, especially during the middle weeks of the competition when criticism tends to peak. This emotional response is a stark contrast to her confident on-screen persona, showing the human side of a judge many admire.

Despite the harsh words, Inaba has sought therapy to help manage the impact of public scrutiny. She shared how therapy helped her anchor herself in truth and authenticity, allowing her to step into her role with more resilience. “When you’re true to yourself, it doesn’t matter as much what everybody else is saying about you,” she said. This mindset has become a crucial tool for her to navigate the often harsh world of reality TV judging.

Facing Criticism as the Only Woman on the Judges Panel

One factor that Inaba believes contributes to the intensity of the backlash is her position as the sole female judge on the panel, which also includes Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli. She acknowledged that she often bears the brunt of criticism, a reality she has come to accept over the years.

Inaba pointed out the irony in accusations that she is harsher on female contestants than male ones. She explained that her detailed critiques stem from a place of support and understanding, as she wants to help women grow and avoid future regrets. “I support women so much, I let them know what I see because they are working so hard,” she said. Her approach is rooted in empathy and a desire to encourage improvement, even if it means risking unpopular opinions.

Moreover, Inaba highlighted a broader societal issue: people tend to be tougher on women in general. This dynamic often results in female judges like her facing more scrutiny, which can be both unfair and exhausting. Despite this, she remains committed to her role, balancing honesty with compassion.

How Carrie Ann Inaba Handles Online Hate and Viewer Criticism

Over the years, Inaba has developed strategies to cope with the vitriol that sometimes floods social media and fan forums. She recalled the early days when viewers used chat rooms to express their opinions, which could be brutal and shocking. Now, she tries to view criticism through a positive lens, recognizing that passionate fans are often motivated by love for the contestants.

Inaba also reviews her own scores and comments to ensure fairness and transparency. For instance, when fans blamed her for the elimination of certain contestants, she checked the scores and found that she was not the lowest scorer. This practice helps her maintain confidence in her judgments and reminds her that criticism is often more about fan loyalty than objective assessment.

Importantly, Inaba believes in giving grace to others as she expects it for herself. She understands that judging is a subjective art and that not everyone will agree with her opinions. This acceptance allows her to continue doing what she loves despite the challenges.

Conclusion

Carrie Ann Inaba’s experience with “Dancing with the Stars” backlash sheds light on the emotional challenges public figures face, especially women in competitive roles. Her openness about feeling scared and shrinking under pressure humanizes the judge beyond the glitz and glamour of the show. Yet, her commitment to truth, fairness, and supporting contestants demonstrates her strength and resilience.

If you want to stay updated on Carrie Ann Inaba’s journey and the latest from “Dancing with the Stars,” be sure to follow the show and join the conversation. Your support can make a difference in fostering a kinder, more understanding fan community.