‘DWTS’ Judge Carrie Ann Inaba Faces Backlash Over ‘Picking Favorites’

Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba is facing criticism from fans who believe she’s playing favorites and judging contestants unfairly.

The 58-year-old TV personality is being accused of favoring one duo for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy just four weeks into the show’s 35th season, according to an October 8 report by The U.S. Sun.

Reality star Maura Higgins and pro partner Mark Ballas were the only pair to receive a 9 during Tuesday’s live show, following their waltz to Mariah Carey‘s 1991 hit “If It’s Over.” The score came from Inaba, who was moved to tears by their performance.

“Sometimes I watch these dances, and I get emotional because of the emotional content that’s going on, but tonight, I got emotional watching you just because it was so good!” Inaba gushed.

She added, “Like the artistry, emotion. It’s like you transported me into another world and I feel like, right now, the world needs that kind of beauty. I thought you were excellent. Excellent. Excellent.”

Inaba’s fellow judges, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli, were also impressed by Higgins and Ballas’ routine, though not as much as Inaba, as they each gave them an 8.

Some fans were not as enthusiastic and called out Inaba for giving the highest score to Higgins and Ballas.

“Can we talk about the scoring last night? Amber and Pasha get a 7 but Maura got a 9?” one person commented on one of Inaba’s Instagram posts from the night.

A commenter noted, “I am done with you favoritism,” while another chimed in, “You need to stop picking favorites so blatantly.”

“I’m more surprised she gave Maura a 9. I thought for sure Jenna was going to get a 9,” someone commented.