Cheryl Burke Defends Carrie Ann Inaba’s ‘DWTS’ Judging

The professional dancer, set to return to “Dancing With The Stars” as a guest judge, came to her fellow judge’s defense amid the growing criticism for her scoring. However, Burke argued that Inaba wasn’t as harsh as most believed.

Cheryl Burke served as a professional dancer on “DWTS” for twenty-six seasons. Her tenure on the ABC competition series ended in 2022 after Season 31, an exit she publicly criticized, despite it being voluntary.

Ahead of her October 28 return to the dance competition, Burke is being a good comrade to Inaba. She addressed the criticisms the judge has received for her scoring, assuring fans that Inaba wasn’t biased as the speculations claimed.

“She’s not going in hard,” Burke noted, pointing out that viewers at home similarly took offence if judges complimented dancers. She believed fans were entitled to their opinions, claiming it was part of what made the show great. However, freedom of speech does not include the right to attack others in Burke’s book.

The pro dancer told US Weekly that she could relate to what Inaba was experiencing, saying, “It happens in my personal life as well. If you’re opinionated and you happen to be a woman, there is a little bit of that, right?”

Burke argued that people’s reactions to the judges weren’t equal, stressing that Inaba wasn’t the only critical person on the panel. She noted that the way fans reacted to the judges as individuals was different, implying that more hate was directed at Inaba.

Burke’s defense of Inaba’s scoring follows the backlash she generated during the show’s ongoing season. Earlier this month, the ballroom audience booed the judge on Dedication Night after she poorly rated Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov’s performance.

Inaba addressed the criticisms she received on Instagram while responding to a fan’s comment. She responded gracefully, noting that she appreciated fans’ opinions and even welcomed their disapproval because they “have a say in the matter.”

Since her classy stance did not change fans’ tune, Inaba clapped back on TikTok after the show’s Wicked Night on October 21. She shared a video of herself singing along to Taylor Swift’s “Actually Romantic,” a song about obsessed critics.

Inaba wasn’t new to criticisms for her scoring on “DWTS,” with The Blast reporting that fans called for her replacement in 2024. She sparked media outrage for allegedly being biased towards female dancers and giving inconsistent marks for choreographies.

During season 33’s Nightmares Night, judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli gave actress Chandler Kinney a ten for her haunting Viennese waltz. However, Inaba gave her a nine, claiming her performance wasn’t perfect.

Inaba similarly scored Olympian Ilona Maher poorly, despite the other judges giving her higher marks. Her decision sparked the hashtag #CarrieAnnBias, with many calling for her replacement after she scored other dancers higher for less impressive choreographies.

Burke will return to “DWTS” after three years on October 28 for the show’s Halloween episode. Unlike her past 26 seasons, she wasn’t returning as a professional dancer but as a guest judge, with The Blast covering her reaction to the new post.

The media personality gushed about her comeback, declaring that it was “so special to go back home.” She noted that she spent a significant part of her life performing in the show’s ballroom and was excited to be back.

Regarding her position as a guest judge, Burke vowed to use her wealth of knowledge as a dancer to aid her decisions. She claimed she would prioritize the contestants’ techniques, passion, and overall delivery of their choreographies.

Although Burke spent nearly two decades performing in the dancecompetition, her exit was far from glamorous.She confirmed that she voluntarily chose to leave the show in 2022; however, she clashed with the showrunners to get her farewell performance.

Burke confessed that the tumultuous end of her time on the series also cost her some “friendships along the way.” Despite her painful departure, the dancer told PEOPLE that she did not regret her decision to speak out against the ABC program.

Burke explained that it was her experience to share; however, the media headlines only focused on the negative. She stressed that she was always grateful to have been a part of the “DWTS” family, adding that every relationship had its ups and downs.

Will Cheryl Burke’s defense of Carrie Ann Inaba get her caught in the crossfire?