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Original Dancing With the Stars pro Louis van Amstel is weighing in on the drama surrounding judge Carrie Ann Inaba‘s criticism of lifts amid pro Val Chmerkovskiy‘s suspension from the show.
“I’m not being diplomatic here but Carrie Ann was right to call out that lift,” Louis, 54, told his Instagram followers on Saturday, October 17. “That was a lift. Two men assisted Harry [Shum Jr.] off the floor.”
On the Tuesday, October 13, “Super Bowl Night” episode, Carrie Ann, 58, called out pro Jenna Johnson‘s use of multiple extras to assist in an alleged illegal lift during her routine with celebrity partner Harry.
“A lift is — I just need to say it — any movement during which one of the dancers has both feet off the floor at the same time with the assistance or support of their partner,” the DWTS judge told the couple in her feedback.
Carrie Ann’s criticism ignited a huge debate within the DWTS community, with former pros Maks Chmerkovskiy and Anna Trebunskaya among those to share their perspective via social media.
In Saturday’s Instagram reel, OG DWTS pro Louis argued that there is a legitimate complaint to be made about how lifts are evaluated on the show. He claimed that Jenna Johnson’s husband and fellow pro Val, 40, and his celebrity partner Jenna Dewan “did a full-on lift” that wasn’t called out during their paso doble that same night.
“Carrie Ann did not call that out. That, to me, is inconsistent,” he argued. “That’s been my issue. I don’t mind the ‘lift police,’ she’s right to do it, but be consistent!”
Louis pointed out that Jenna may have taken advantage of a loophole in the rules because she technically wasn’t the one doing the lifting in her and Harry’s routine.
“The rules are not very specific … This was three men lifting a guy. The rule is for a couple in the ballroom dance industry,” he said. “You cannot do that. Carrie Ann is right to call it out. But, you can also blame the producers for not being clear on the rule when there is more than just a couple on the dance floor.”
Louis added, “You can also blame Jenna a little bit because she’s playing with fire. She’s poking the bear by putting in a lift, knowing that rule. But, then again, in her defense, she didn’t lift him.”
Harry Shum Jr and Jenna Johnson on “Super Bowl Night.” Disney/Christopher Willard
The dance veteran suggested amending Dancing With the Stars‘ rulebook to say “you cannot do a lift whether it’s by your partner or any extra dancer in the entire number.”
“Then, I would say that rule is waterproof,” he declared.
Jenna took the criticism from Carrie Ann in stride, telling Extra on Tuesday that she “absolutely hears” the judges’ feedback.
“She’s a judge for a reason. She’s gonna do her job, I’m gonna do mine,” Jenna vowed. “I’m gonna take the feedback.”
However, her husband Val ignited a firestorm of controversy over social media posts where he criticized Carrie Ann’s evaluation. In one now-deleted post, he wrote, “You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night.” (Val was referencing an infamous moment at the 2022 Oscars when Will Smith walked on stage and slapped presenter Chris Rock for making a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.)
Jenna Dewan‘s fiancé Steve Kazee is rallying around her in light of her Dancing With the Stars professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy‘s suspension from the show. “Everytime I think I can’t love you more, your grace, your class and your heart prove me wrong, ” Steve, 50, captioned a photo of Jenna from DWTS‘ “Super Bowl […]
Val has publicly apologized multiple times after Carrie Ann publicly took issue with his comments. DWTS production company BBC Studios still announced on Saturday that Val will have to sit out of next Tuesday’s “Dedication Night” show.
“The well-being of everyone who works on Dancing with the Stars is non-negotiable,” a BBC Studios spokesperson told Us in a statement. “Val’s social media post was inappropriate and does not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected with the show. As a result, he will not participate in next week’s show.”
Giada De Laurentiis‘ former pro Alan Bersten will stand in for Val to dance a Viennese waltz with Jenna Dewan in honor of her mother, Nancy Bursch.
Carrie Ann has not responded to Val’s suspension, as of publication.
Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
