Carrie Ann Inaba Admits She Felt Like a ‘Villain’ When DWTS Fan Backlash First Hit

Sitting at the *Dancing With the Stars* judging table isn't all glitz, glam, and perfect tens. Longtime judge Carrie Ann Inaba is reflecting on the heavy backlash she has faced from passionate viewers over the years, admitting that stepping into a critique-heavy role originally made her feel like a total villain. The 58-year-old television personality has held her spot on the hit ballroom competition's panel since the series first kicked off in 2005. During a recent interview promoting her partnership with health brand Novartis, Inaba opened up about how difficult it was to transition from being an admired stage performer to a polarising TV presence. According to the star, working as a professional dancer meant being surrounded by constant audience adoration. Transitioning into a role where her main objective was to dish out critiques to famous contestants completely flipped that dynamic on its head. In the beginning, dealing with disgruntled viewers was a brand-new and jarring experience that she wasn't entirely prepared for.

how does carrie ann inaba handle dwts backlash Now sitting alongside veteran co-judge Bruno Tonioli and former mirrorball winner Derek Hough, Inaba has mastered the art of tuning out unnecessary online noise. Her secret to staying grounded in the face of angry fans comes down to a strict sense of personal fairness and perspective. Inaba noted that in today's world, everyone holds strong and often divided opinions about almost everything. Because her role on television gives her a platform to share her honest thoughts on contestant routines, she believes it is only fair that viewers at home get to voice their own reactions in return.

BUZZBEAT

how long has carrie ann inaba been a dwts judge Having anchored the series for nearly two decades, Inaba explained that she made a commitment to herself early on to remain resilient. She believes that if she gets to express her judgment on live national television, she must be tough enough to handle whatever pushback comes her way. By holding onto her personal values and accepting that public critique goes both ways, the seasoned judge has built a sustainable mindset for surviving reality TV fame.