What was supposed to be one of the most magical nights of Dancing With the Stars history has now spiraled into controversy, shock, and a full-blown investigation. “Disney Night” — typically a fan-favorite evening filled with joy, nostalgia, and sparkle — took an unexpected turn after Hilaria Baldwin’s performance ignited a storm of online debate. And now, reports are surfacing that longtime judge Carrie Ann Inaba may be facing major consequences — including a potential $2 million fine — over allegations of favoritism and scoring bias.
Insiders close to production say ABC executives have quietly opened a formal inquiry following a surge of online backlash claiming the judges’ scores were “inconsistent” and “pre-determined.” The controversy allegedly centers around Carrie Ann’s unusually high marks for certain contestants — particularly Baldwin — which some fans have labeled as suspiciously generous.
Following the broadcast, social media platforms were flooded with heated discussions, with #DWTSRigged and #CarrieAnnControversy trending within minutes. Viewers pointed to multiple scoring moments that seemed to defy logic, with one viral post reading, “How did she get those scores when others danced circles around her? Something’s not right.”
Production insiders reportedly told outlets that ABC’s legal and compliance teams are now reviewing scoring footage, behind-the-scenes recordings, and judge communications to ensure no favoritism or bias occurred. “This isn’t just about fan outrage,” one source explained. “If even a hint of unfairness or misconduct is found, the network is prepared to act — including financial penalties.”

Carrie Ann, who has served as a judge since the show’s early seasons, has yet to publicly comment on the allegations. However, those close to her insist she’s being unfairly targeted, describing her as “deeply professional” and “committed to fairness.” Despite that, tensions within the production are reportedly running high, with some insiders saying the atmosphere on set has turned “tense and guarded.”
Meanwhile, Hilaria Baldwin’s performance — the spark that set off the chaos — continues to divide fans. Some praised it as “bold and artistic,” while others slammed the scoring as “a slap in the face to other competitors.” The incident has now evolved from a simple judging dispute into one of the most sensational controversies DWTS has faced in years.
ABC has declined to make an official statement but has confirmed that “internal reviews are routine” whenever allegations of bias arise. Still, the whispers of a multimillion-dollar fine and the unprecedented scrutiny on Carrie Ann have made this season one of the most unpredictable in DWTS history.
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For now, fans are left wondering: will Carrie Ann clear her name, or will “Disney Night” go down as the turning point that changed Dancing With the Stars forever? One thing’s certain — the ballroom’s sparkle just got a whole lot messier.