Carrie Ann Inaba Reflects on Challenges as Sole Female Judge on ‘Dancing with the Stars’
In an insightful revelation at the 2023 Variety Women Of Reality TV event in Beverly Hills on Wednesday, Carrie Ann Inaba, the only female judge on Dancing with the Stars, discussed the unique challenges she faces in her role.
At 55, Inaba candidly shared her experience, acknowledging the necessity to “fight harder” for her opinions to be acknowledged. She disclosed moments when she contemplated walking away, attributing this to the heightened scrutiny and criticism she receives compared to her male counterparts on the show.
“I get a lot more hate than the men do, and people doubt what I say,” Inaba confessed emotionally. “I’m the judge who cries, but it’s also because I feel like I have to fight harder for my opinion to be honored.”
Carrie Ann Inaba got emotional talking about how people treat her as the only female judge on #DWTS: “I have to fight harder for my opinion to be honored.” | Variety #WomenOfReality presented by @DIRECTV pic.twitter.com/pTM1YAE94p
— Variety (@Variety) November 30, 2023
Expressing gratitude for the platform provided by the Variety Women Of Reality TV event, Inaba commended the organizers for recognizing the challenges women face in the industry. She emphasized the diverse burdens each woman carries and appreciated the acknowledgment of their efforts.
In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE at the event, Inaba highlighted the underappreciation faced by those working in reality television. Reflecting on her journey from choreographer to on-camera personality and judge, she expressed her joy at being honored and shared the news with her mother, emphasizing the significance of the recognition.
The Variety Women Of Reality TV event showcased Inaba’s contributions and those of other women in the industry, shedding light on the often-overlooked work in reality television.
As the event unfolded, hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough announced that all couples on Dancing with the Stars had secured a spot in the upcoming season finale. The finale will feature contestants like Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix, Marvel actress Xochitl Gomez, Bachelorette star Charity Lawson, singer Jason Mraz, and Alyson Hannigan, competing for the coveted title.
Dancing with the Stars airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.