In a heartfelt revelation, Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba has shared the emotional toll of facing relentless online criticism, shedding light on how it has affected her mental well-being. The disclosure, reported by Variety on November 11, 2025, at 16:50 UTC, comes ahead of the show’s 20th anniversary special, offering fans a glimpse into the challenges behind her long tenure on the program.
#DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inaba on online hate: “It does hurt. Sometimes the things they say are cruel, and that has affected me. It’s made me scared.”
She spoke to her therapist about the hate she started getting early on: “It’s not so much that I get hurt as I get afraid, because… pic.twitter.com/EWmQZLofHA
— Variety (@Variety) November 11, 2025
In an exclusive interview, Inaba, known for her intricate lace outfits and striking presence, admitted that the harsh comments she receives online have left a lasting impact. “It does hurt. Sometimes the things they say are cruel, and that has affected me. It’s made me scared,” she confessed. The judge revealed that the negativity, which began early in her career on the show since its 2006 debut, has led her to shrink back during seasons, a response she’s been working through with her therapist.
Inaba explained that her therapy sessions helped her develop a strategy to cope, emphasizing the importance of staying true to herself. “I believe in truth,” she told her therapist, who encouraged her to anchor her decisions in that value. This approach, she said, has created a shield against the vitriol, allowing her to maintain her authenticity despite the criticism. The judge also addressed perceptions of bias, particularly claims of being tougher on female contestants, a topic she’s navigated throughout her nearly two-decade run.
As Dancing With the Stars prepares to celebrate its milestone with past pros and former host Tom Bergeron returning, Inaba’s vulnerability has resonated with fans. Her openness about mental health struggles highlights the unseen pressures of public life, sparking discussions on social media about supporting public figures. With the anniversary episode airing soon, Inaba’s journey adds a poignant layer to the celebration of the show’s legacy.
