Cheryl Burke defends DWTS’ Carrie Ann Inaba amid backlash

Cheryl Burke has Carrie Ann Inabas back as the Dancing with the stars judge continues to face backlash for her score on the show.

The former pro, 41, was asked Through Variety in an interview published on Friday, October 24 about how she felt about the criticism of Inaba for her rating feedback.

“I agree that they are going hard on her against the two men sitting there,” Burke told the outlet, referring to DWTS judges Bruno Tonioli And Derek Hough.

Burke continued, “And I think that’s always been the case, and she’s talked openly about it, the harder it is for her. I’ve experienced it, but in a different way; me being open about something versus someone who’s a man, I see the difference. But you don’t do it for the outside reaction. At the end of the day, this is her job, and she’s doing her job, and she’s doing it well.”

The dancer, who appeared on twenty seasons of the dance competition, returns to DWTS as a guest judge in the Halloween episode of Tuesday, October 28.

She opened up Variety about how she’ll approach star rating when it’s her turn to give feedback.

“I hope to be empowering and encouraging, but of course I will be constructive. I have 15 seconds to talk! That will be the hardest part for me. Ultimately, I want to help these people,” she told the outlet.

Burke added, “Yes, we’re going to compliment them if they’ve done a great job. But I think I really want to delve into the technical aspect of things, regardless of the theme. I’m looking for authenticity between the two people dancing with each other, authenticity of the dance style that was assigned.”

For her part, Inaba, 57, has been in the line of fire for some DWTS viewers have deemed the score and feedback as ‘harsh’.

Inaba responded to the criticism via a comment on her Instagram page on October 15.

“It’s okay to disagree about what we see. That’s what makes our show great,” she wrote at the time. “You have a say. We want you to vote for what you love and believe in. I appreciate your response and the way you expressed your feelings. ❤️ thank you for your passion and your opinion.”

In a 2023 interview with ParadeIt’s not that Inaba didn’t take the response – or the audience members who booed her – to heart.

“The whole point is that we want people to have their opinions. The reason why people are invested in this competition is because they have an opinion, and it matters,” she told the outlet at the time. “We are one of the few [shows where ] judges actually keep scores. So what we do is important, but what everyone does at home is also important. So it’s a good thing they’re booing. I think it shows that they really support someone.”

Dancing with the stars airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8pm ET.