DWTS pro Jenna Johnson reportedly breaks down after clash with judge Carrie Ann Inaba
Jenna Johnson said she was upset by judge Carrie Ann Inaba's feedback during a live show and was comforted backstage by her husband Val Chmerkovskiy.
Professional dancer Jenna Johnson, 32, reportedly became emotional backstage after a disagreement with judge Carrie Ann Inaba during Tuesday's "Dancing with the Stars" episode. An insider said Johnson was comforted by her husband, fellow DWTS pro Val Chmerkovskiy, who was angry about the way Inaba addressed his wife.
Inaba criticized Johnson for including a lift in the samba routine performed with partner Harry Shum Jr., explaining that a lift involves both dancers being off the floor with partner support. The judge also told Shum Jr. to add more content to his dances. Johnson later told co-host Julianne Hough that she understood the comments and would take the feedback.
"I thought it was if you lifted your partner," Johnson said. "But I totally hear Carrie Ann. I will take it. Sure."
Johnson told E! News that she is willing to accept all judges' feedback, noting that judges are part of the competition. Chmerkovskiy defended his wife on social media, referencing a past celebrity incident and posting a comment that suggested Inaba was "trippin" when speaking to her.
"Dancing with the Stars" airs on ABC and streams on Disney+.