Dancing With the Stars Alum Cheryl Burke Defends Carrie Ann Inaba Against Critics

Former ‘Dancing With the Stars’ pro Cheryl Burke has publicly defended judge Carrie Ann Inaba. Burke stated that Inaba faces harsher criticism than her male colleagues. She made these comments in an interview with Variety ahead of her guest judging appearance.

Burke, a two-time champion on the show, acknowledged the persistent fan backlash. She emphasized that Inaba has openly discussed the unique challenges she faces as a female judge.

Gender Bias in Scoring Scrutiny

According to Burke, the disparity in fan reaction is clear. She noted that audiences often go harder on Inaba compared to judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli. Burke spoke from her own experience with different public expectations.

She stressed that a judge’s role is not to seek popularity. Their job is to provide honest, constructive feedback to the contestants. This perspective comes from her long tenure as a professional dancer on the series.

Inaba’s Professional Response to Backlash

Carrie Ann Inaba has directly addressed criticism herself. Recently, fans accused her of favoring one celebrity over another during scoring. She responded to a social media user with a measured and professional statement.

Inaba acknowledged that disagreements about performances are natural. She expressed appreciation for the passion fans show for the competition. Her response highlighted the interactive nature of the show where viewer votes ultimately matter.

Other professionals on the show echo this sentiment. Pro dancer Pasha Pashkov recently told E! News that the judges have the most difficult job. He explained that assigning a number with millions watching, knowing it may cause backlash, is not easy.

The ongoing dialogue highlights the intense scrutiny faced by DWTS judges. Cheryl Burke’s defense underscores a perceived gender bias in audience reactions. This conversation continues to shape the dynamic of the long-running dance competition.

Dropping this nugget your way

What did Cheryl Burke say about Carrie Ann Inaba?

Cheryl Burke stated that Carrie Ann Inaba faces disproportionately harsh criticism. She believes this is because Inaba is a woman on a panel with male judges. Burke defended Inaba’s professionalism and commitment to her role.

How did Carrie Ann Inaba respond to recent criticism?

Inaba responded to a fan on social media in a calm and professional manner. She said it is okay to disagree about the performances seen on the show. Inaba thanked the fan for their passion and opinion on the matter.

Who are the current judges on Dancing With the Stars?

The current judging panel consists of Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. Inaba has been a judge since the show’s first season. They provide scores and feedback for the celebrity and pro pairs each week.

Why do judges on competition shows face so much scrutiny?

Judges make subjective decisions that directly impact which contestants stay or leave. Their scores are visible to a live audience of millions each week. This high-stakes environment naturally leads to strong reactions from dedicated fans.

Is Cheryl Burke returning to DWTS as a judge?

Yes, Cheryl Burke returned as a guest judge for the Halloween Night episode. She expressed her intent to be both encouraging and constructively critical. This was a special appearance following her departure as a pro dancer.

Trusted Sources

Variety, E! News