The Dancing With the Stars fandom has been in full debate mode after Carrie Ann Inaba gave Robert Irwin an 8 while awarding Mark a 9 — a scoring decision that immediately ignited controversy online. Fans flooded social media demanding answers, claiming Robert’s performance was “clearly stronger” and accusing Carrie Ann of favoritism.
Now, Carrie Ann has finally broken her silence — and her response is putting the speculation to rest. In a calm but firm video statement shared earlier today, the longtime DWTS judge explained her reasoning behind the scores, defending her consistency and integrity. “You need to watch the rhythm, expression, and precision of the steps,” she said. “Every movement tells a story, and my scoring reflects how well those elements come together.”
Carrie went on to clarify that her decision was based purely on technical criteria — not emotion or popularity. “It’s never personal,” she added. “I respect every dancer who walks onto that floor. But my job is to evaluate performance, not personality.”
Her comments directly addressed the growing accusations of bias that have trailed her throughout this season. Fans of Robert Irwin, who has become one of the breakout stars of the show, argued that his dance carried far more emotion and storytelling than Mark’s. However, Carrie Ann’s statement made clear that she prioritizes precision and balance above all else.
“Sometimes the audience connects deeply with the heart of a performance,” she said, “but as judges, we have to balance that with technical execution. My 8 for Robert wasn’t a criticism — it was a reflection of where he was in that specific dance.”
The explanation has divided fans even further. Some praised Carrie Ann for standing her ground and upholding her standards, while others continued to question the consistency of scoring among judges. “She’s doing her job,” one viewer wrote. “It’s not favoritism — it’s just tough love.” But another fired back, “If passion and storytelling don’t count, what’s the point of the show?”
Meanwhile, Robert himself has remained gracious amid the discussion. When asked about his score, he simply said, “I’m just grateful for the chance to grow and dance for the people I love.” His humility and professionalism only deepened fans’ admiration for him.
VIDEO:
As the debate rages on, Carrie Ann’s statement stands as both a defense of her judging philosophy and a reminder of the fine line between art and analysis. Whether fans agree or not, one thing is certain — Dancing With the Stars has rarely seen a season this intense, this passionate, or this closely watched.
