Maksim Chmerkovskiy is calling out the inconsistency he sees in Carrie Ann Inaba’s criticism of his sister-in-law on “DWTS.”
Jenna Johnson and her partner, Harry Shum Jr., performed a samba to Usher’s “Yeah!” during Super Bowl Night. Inaba criticized the routine’s technical content and called out a lift involving troupe dancers helping Shum perform a backflip.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy is not a stranger to the “DWTS” ballroom. He has competed as a professional dancer for multiple seasons. His brother, fellow professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy, married Johnson in 2019, making her his sister-in-law.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy Tells Carrie Ann Inaba To ‘Get Some Consistency’ On ‘DWTS’
During an episode of the “Viall Files” podcast, Chmerkovskiy challenged Inaba’s explanation of the lift rule. According to the podcast report, he said that the rule was being applied to a routine involving more than a performer and not one partner lifting another.
“She goes and starts reading off the rulebook, but then that same rulebook that’s applicable in ballroom with lifts is only applicable to a couple dancing,” Chmerkovskiy said. He pointed out that the performance included troupe dancers, adding, “You’re not talking about extra background dancers running out.”
The dancer said there was consistency in how the judges interpreted the rules. “There’s no ‘three other people’ in the rulebook,” he said. “The point is: Carrie Ann, get some consistency,” he added.
He also acknowledged on the podcast that Inaba had a valid point about the routine’s samba technique. “[She felt the] samba content wasn’t enough, and I agree,” he said. “But samba didn’t play out, and I think that’s where Carrie Ann should have ended.”
Chmerkovskiy’s wife, Peta Murgatroyd, also said she understood why Johnson might have found the explanation confusing. Johnson told Extra that “She’s gonna do her job, I’m gonna do mine. I’m gonna take the feedback.”
Inaba And Jenna Johnson Had A Tense Live Moment
Inaba and Johnson had a tense exchange during Tuesday’s Super Bowl Night broadcast. Johnson and Shum Jr. performed their samba to Usher’s “Yeah!” Inaba praised the performance but said Shum Jr. needed to “put more content in [his] dances.”
Inaba then added, “And there was a lift.” Johnson reportedly looked surprised and questioned, “A lift?” Inaba confirmed her assessment and read the definition out loud. Derek Hough reacted by saying, “Dang. I feel like I got told off.” Inaba replied, “I will meet you where you are.”
Johnson and Shum Jr. then went to the skybox where co-host Julianne Hough asked Johnson how she felt about the criticism. “I totally understand. I thought it was if you lifted your partner,” Johnson said. She added, “But I totally hear Carrie Ann. I will take it. Sure.”
Page Six reported that Johnson and Shum Jr. got 33 out of 40 points from the judges. Shum Jr. celebrated the experience, saying, “Oh my god, amazing.” He said that the opportunity to dance to Usher’s music was “a dream come true.”
- What Ciara Miller is doing to avoid injuries on “Dancing With the Stars.”
- John Stamos reveals why he refuses to join the dance competition show.
- Rob Gronkowski’s girlfriend, Camille Kostek, wants him to join “DWTS.”
- Season 27 champion Bobby Bones reunites with his Mirrorball Trophy after returning it.
- Derek Hough said “DWTS” saved his life amid a challenging time.
- Former “DWTS” host Tom Bergeron revealed why he returned as a guest judge in 2025.
Carrie Ann Inaba Says Judging ‘DWTS’ Has Taken An Emotional Toll
During an appearance on “The Dancing With the Stars” Official Podcast with host Joey Graziadei, Inaba revealed that she used to throw up before every show. She described the role as stressful. She explained that millions of viewers were watching her decisions and often judging her in return.
“Trust me, I’m gripping the table, like I’m gripping right now, because it’s stressful,” Inaba said. “I’m an empath. It’s never not been stressful. I used to throw up before I went out there. Every single time.” She said it probably stopped in the last seven years at the time.
In November 2025, The Blast reported that she explained that speaking on camera had never come naturally to her. “I like to dance. I don’t want to speak,” she revealed. Inaba revealed what she sees as a double standard in the criticism she receives. “I feel that my role on the show is important, and it’s often minimized, and it’s because I’m a woman,” she said.
Fans Once Called For Inaba’s Replacement
Inaba made a comment on Danielle Fishel’s performance during Halloween Night in October 2025, which stirred different reactions. After Fishel’s performance, Inaba said, “You have to use the space because you are a tiny little woman.” Fishel responded, saying, “I am a tiny little woman, but she’s big on the inside, very powerful.”
Some viewers called the comment “condescending” and “tone-deaf.” They reportedly accused Inaba of being too harsh on contestants. The “DWTS” judge defended herself as a woman trying to balance honesty.
Inaba has also faced criticism over scores she gave female contestants. During a previous season, she awarded Chandler Kinney a nine while Hough and Bruno Tonioli gave the actress perfect tens.
The judge also gave Olympian Ilona Maher’s intricate tango an eight after admitting her choreography was demanding. The controversy made some fans call for Inaba to be replaced over biased scores.
Jenna Johnson Is Not A Fan Of The ‘DWTS’ Ringer Debate
Johnson previously responded to claims that contestants with previous dance experience have an unfair advantage over other celebrities. The pro dancer joined the show as a troupe dancer for Season 18 in 2014. She eventually became a professional partner from Season 23 in 2016, working with celebrities from different backgrounds.
She argued that even trained performers face unfamiliar challenges when competing in ballroom. The professional dancer revealed the pressure of performing live in front of millions of viewers, with a studio audience watching just feet away.
She shared that contestants also have less than a week to learn ballroom. “I understand when people are like, ‘Oh, you know, dance experience, whatever.’ Who cares!” Johnson told Us Weekly. “This is the first time they’re ever doing Dancing with the Stars. That is very different.”
Will Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s support for his sister-in-law help her “DWTS” run?