'DWTS' Judge Carrie Ann Inaba Confronts Heckler During Last Live Episode of the Show

Chaos erupted in the ballroom when a longtime "Dancing With the Stars" judge spun away from her critique — and straight into a real-life showdown. What began as a routine assessment quickly morphed into one of the most dramatic live moments in the show's history.

During the Season 34 finale, Carrie Ann Inaba was cut off mid-critique by a shocking audience outburst that left viewers stunned, hosts scrambling, and social media ablaze.

A netizen comment dated November 26, 2025. | Source: X/M🦋🌺

The drama began innocently enough, as Inaba shared her thoughts on finalist Jordan Chiles and her partner, Ezra Sosa, for their paso doble to Rihanna's "Breakin' Dishes." Though supportive, Inaba hesitated, "This kills me, but yeah, just the beginning felt like it didn't quite come together."

Carrie Ann Inaba about to give her remark on Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa's final performance, as seen from a video post dated November 26, 2025. | Source: Instagram Reel/usweekly

Suddenly, a voice from the crowd cut through the glitz — a heckler, loud and unfiltered, interrupted the live taping in a moment so jarring it visibly startled the veteran judge.

Carrie Ann Inaba begins to give her remarks, as seen from a video post dated November 26, 2025. | Source: Instagram Reel/usweekly

Audience Gasps As Inaba Fires Back

The ballroom fell tense as Inaba stood up, turned toward the audience, and barked the words that would define the night, "What? What did you say?!"

The moment Carrie Ann Inaba stood from her seat to fire back at the audience, as seen from a video post dated November 26, 2025. | Source: Instagram Reel/usweekly

The stunned crowd froze, unsure what would happen next. Co-host Alfonso Ribeiro swiftly stepped in, trying to soothe the tension. "Alright, alright, it's alright," he said, signaling to fellow judge Derek Hough to continue. "Don't worry about that — Derek, you're up."

Co-host Alfonso Ribeiro tries to diffuse the tension, as seen from a video post dated November 26, 2025. | Source: Instagram Reel/usweekly

According to E! News, the heckler's outburst was apparently meant to defend Chiles, with onlookers claiming they heard the contestant referred to as a "queen" — though no clear footage has confirmed exactly what was said.

Jordan Chiles and her professional partner Ezra Sosa react to the audience's outburst, as seen from a video post dated November 26, 2025. | Source: Instagram Reel/usweekly

The Sun reported that a fan caused the disruption, visibly displeased with Inaba's critique. The outlet noted this wasn't the first time Inaba has faced backlash, pointing out that some "DWTS" fans accuse her of going harder on female contestants while favoring select competitors.

In a recent interview with E!, Inaba admitted she holds women to a higher standard, saying, "I understand what it is to be a woman, so I can get into more detail about what I'm seeing."

Carrie Ann Inaba. | Source: Getty Images

Internet Explodes Over Carrie Ann's Explosive Reaction

The confrontation quickly became the night's most talked-about moment, igniting furious debate across every social platform. On X, one person exclaimed, "What did that guy in the crowd say?! Carrie Ann is SHOOK #DWTS."

Facebook was just as inflamed. One viewer fumed, "Just doing her job! Person should have been hauled out!" Another lashed out, "Omg. What is her problem tonight?!" A third remarked, "She got up like she was gonna do something."

TikTok wasn't far behind. One commenter wrote, "Right?! lol She wad ready to throw hands and I was here for it." Another wasn't impressed, posting, "Very unprofessional." A separate person sympathized, "i feel so sad for her 😞."

As the show moved forward, Inaba's clash with the heckler lingered in the air — setting the tone for the rest of the night and fueling ongoing debate about her judging style. A brief calm returned to the ballroom, but the night's intensity had not peaked yet.

Viewer Outrage Erupts After Finale Results

Despite the disruption, the competition pressed on — and the tension only grew as record votes, perfect scores, and a divisive final decision took center stage.

The closing moments were emotionally charged, powered by new choreography, returning contestants, and an unprecedented 72 million viewer votes.

A viewer reacts to the "Dancing With the Stars" Season finale results, on November 25, 2025 | Source: Instagram/people

While the season's end brought excitement to the ballroom, the final result left many viewers surprised — and some upset. On Instagram, reactions began pouring in shortly after the finale aired.

Despite scoring a perfect 90 out of 90 and dazzling in all three rounds, fan-favorite Alix Earle did not take home the Mirrorball — and the internet exploded. One viewer wrote, "Alix was more improved and had a perfect score. Should've won." Another said, "Alix was robbed unfortunately." A third one declared, "I demand a recount."

Others voiced disappointment more directly. One frustrated fan posted, "MAKES NO SENSE!!!! Alix and Val deserved that." Another commented, "Alix outdanced him all season let's be real. My champ." Criticism over the result continued as another viewer wrote, "Not my winner 🙅🏻‍♀️."

A different viewer shared, "Screaming, crying, throwing up 😭😭😭 Alix and val were always my mirrorball champs." One fan added, "Happy the [sic] my two favorites were in the top two but you can't tell me that Alix did not outperform Robert… she was the clear winner."

Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy stand on the "DWTS" stage with Robert Irwin and Witney Carson on November 25, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

But Not Everyone Was Angry

While outrage dominated, some viewers celebrated Robert Irwin's underdog victory with partner Witney Carson. One supporter commented, "👏AMAZING!!! He deserves the win!!!" Another remarked, "Zero dance experience, improved every week, great personality, and amazing performances; plus great partner. Well deserved! Bravo Robert & Witney! 👏👏👏"

Robert Irwin and Witney Carson pictured on the "DWTS" stage on November 25, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

One fan expressed relief, posting, "thank god the mirrorball is back home (with witney)." Another praised the winner's journey by writing, "Despite Carrie Ann's consistent anti-Robert stuff, he STILL won!! He was, by far, the best dancer out there this season ❤️❤️."

A High-Stakes, Showstopping Finale

Ultimately, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson were crowned the Season 34 champions. With a combined score of 89 out of 90 on finale night and support from the viewing audience, their win capped off one of the show's most competitive seasons to date.

The moment was particularly emotional for Irwin, who quoted his sister Bindi Irwin — a past champion herself — during his acceptance speech. "My sister said it best, thank you for changing my life," he expressed tearfully.

Carson had previously revealed that Irwin was dealing with rib pain heading into the finale. In a TikTok video posted Tuesday, she said, "Robert's ribs have been killing him, and more will be revealed on Tuesday, and you guys can get a better idea of what we've been dealing with all week."

She added, "My body is feeling it. Robert's body is feeling it. We're, like, kind of falling apart right now." A fan echoed the concern, commenting, "Hope he's ok!!!!! He looked amazing but hope he's not in pain."

Robert Irwin and Witney Carson perform during the finale episode of "DWTS" Season 34 on November 25, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

The finale featured five finalists — Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy; Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach; Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten; Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa; and Robert Irwin and Witney Carson — each performing three routines: Judges' Choice, Instant Dance Challenge, and Freestyle.

• Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy: 90
• Robert Irwin and Witney Carson: 89
• Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa: 89
• Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach: 88
• Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten: 87

The season leaderboard showed a tie between Earle and Irwin, both earning 459 points overall. Jordan Chiles followed with 452 points, Dylan Efron with 443, and Elaine Hendrix with 431.

The finale also welcomed back all eliminated contestants. Among those returning to the ballroom were Jen Affleck, Whitney Leavitt, Hilaria Baldwin, Baron Davis, Corey Feldman, Danielle Fishel, Scott Hoying, Lauren Jauregui, and Andy Richter.

The "DWTS" season 34 contestants celebrate winners Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, on November 25, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Group numbers were performed to songs including "Never Can Say Goodbye" by The Communards, "Sugar on My Tongue" by Tyler, The Creator, "Applause" by Lady Gaga, and "I Don't Dance" by Alexander Jean. A standout moment came when Normani joined finalist Jordan Chiles on stage during her freestyle to "Motivation."

Carson described the 11-week journey as one of both physical and emotional intensity. Speaking about the final stretch, she said, "Just trying to keep it together for, like, two more days. Literally today and tomorrow, and then it's over."

Though opinions remain divided, Season 34 delivered a tightly scored finish, historic format changes, and a winner whose journey echoed his sister's legacy.

And while the season ended in confetti, it will be remembered most for two things: a surprise win — and the moment Inaba turned to the crowd and broke the ballroom's composure.