Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba has claimed she and Jenna Johnson worked through tension between them after Carrie Ann criticized her routine with partner Harry Shum Jr.
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Carrie Ann had criticized the lack of samba content in Jenna and Harry's samba on Dancing with the Stars' "Super Bowl" night on October 13.
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Jenna appeared upset and surprised by the critique, which prompted her husband and fellow DWTS pro Val Chmerkovskiy to take jabs at Carrie Ann on social media. Val was suspended for one week and replaced by Alan Bersten for "Dedication Night" as a result.
Carrie Ann Inaba addressed her polarizing feedback in a series of October 25 comments on her latest Instagram post.
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The judge said she had stayed quiet out of "professional courtesy" to the DWTS contestants still competing and because of the show's "standards and practices" that keep her separated from the cast.
"But I think a part of this 'headline' has missed a few important parts of what happened. I think it's important for everyone to know that Jenna and I hugged it out after the Super Bowl show," Carrie Ann wrote.
"Jenna was an absolute professional about it, and two women worked through the moment. It came to my attention later that Jenna was deeply hurt. So I also offered to speak with her at anytime. I have also offered to discuss the lift rule and how I enforce it."
Carrie Ann praised DWTS pro Sharna Burgess for making "a great video explaining lifts, assists and which dances allow and don't allow them."
In a follow-up comment, Carrie Ann suggested that "a new lift rule should be created for next season."
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She noted that it would be great for all of the show's dancers and judges to gather together in one room and get on the same page.
"[I'd like] to discuss the history of how and why [the late DWTS judge] Len Goodman, our original producers and I defined the lift rule and what the purpose is, which is safety and fairness," Carrie Ann continued.
"The show has evolved tremendously, the way the show is cast has also changed, and so has our audience and the way they consume the show. So, working together to create a better understanding between the dancers and the judges and our audience is important to me, as we move forward and is something I have asked for."
Jenna, for her part, commented with three emojis -- including hearts -- prompting Carrie Ann to elaborate on the status of their relationship.
"We were always okay. I love and respect you while I have to do my job. And think you are doing great with Harry! That dedication night dance was profoundly important to Asian Americans in our audience. And to all immigrant families... which is most of us in America," Carrie Ann wrote to Jenna.
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"To see their story represented with so much love and care during these turbulent times was an act of courage and activism through art. I wish everyone knew that we had hugged after the Super Bowl show... and that we walked away from the night as two powerful women who are professional and also emotional. And this is allowed."
Carrie Ann insisted there's no problem with being "complicated female human beings working through a challenging and learning opportunity with grace."
The DWTS judge continued, "In the future if anything I say or do in my role as a judge to speak what I see and feel about your performance on this show hurts you in any way, I am always open and available to listen, discuss and find a peaceful understanding. And this has always been true."
Carrie Ann told the pro dancers that they can arrange "a little chat" with her any time by contacting Dancing with the Stars' executive producers first.
"And we will sort it out. I love the art form of dancing. For me, it is my whole life's work. My opinion comes from outside the ballroom and Latin experience to balance out the panel. And that is why I have chosen to stay on the panel and speak my truth no matter what people say about me," Carrie Ann noted.
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"I bring a different and unique perspective. But it is always with the intention to help you and your partner improve so when something hurts, please know I will always be open to healing that moment when the moment is right and allowed by our EP's so we are in alignment with the rules of competition."
In response to a troll expressing hatred of Carrie Ann, she wrote, "That's fine to not like me. My job isn't to be liked. My job is to judge honestly from my tenured experience... and then for you to formulate your own opinion."
Carrie Ann added, "Hating someone you don't know is fascinating to me. Am I supposed to 'hate' you because you have a different opinion than me? I don't think so. And I don't... I hope you use your time and energy to vote."
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Carrie Ann has served as a judge on Dancing with the Stars since the show debuted in 2005.
Dancing with the Stars currently airs on Tuesday nights at 8PM ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.