DWTS Meltdown: Judge Carrie Ann Inaba Claims Robert Irwin’s Victory Was ‘Rigged’
A Firestorm Erupts
Only hours after Robert Irwin was crowned the new champion of Dancing With the Stars, the victory celebration was drowned out by controversy ignited by none other than Judge Carrie Ann Inaba. In a statement that immediately sent shockwaves across the fandom, Inaba reportedly claimed that Irwin “didn’t deserve the win.”
Her comments escalated rapidly, culminating in an explosive accusation that the finale was fundamentally compromised. Inaba was quoted as saying: “I didn’t want to give the Mirrorball to someone who didn’t truly deserve it.” But what truly sent the entire DWTS community into a meltdown was her claim that the result was premeditated: “That trophy was arranged beforehand. This is the biggest rigging the show has ever seen.”
Scoring Scrutiny and Fan Divide
Inaba’s words spread across social media within minutes, igniting a wildfire of debate and forcing fans to re-examine the finale scoring. Many viewers immediately pointed out that Inaba herself had given Robert Irwin a score of 9 during the finale, a score that was noticeably stricter compared to the glowing marks given by the other judges. While some fans argued that a single 9 did not prove bias, others claimed her tone throughout the season had hinted at a deeper tension behind the scenes.
The controversy quickly divided the community. Some viewers sided firmly with Inaba, calling Irwin’s win “too convenient” and loudly demanding transparency from the show’s producers. Simultaneously, former contestants and professional dancers quickly stepped up to defend Robert. They praised his steady week-to-week growth, his strong technical abilities, and the massive public support he received throughout the season.
The Official Response and Aftermath
Despite the widespread defense from many of the show’s veterans, the integrity of the finale remained deeply in doubt for a significant segment of the audience. The situation forced DWTS producers to respond publicly to the extraordinary claims of rigging.
The producers later issued a firm statement addressing the crisis head-on. They confirmed that Robert Irwin’s victory was fully legitimate, maintaining that there was absolutely no evidence of scoring or voting irregularities. However, even with the official confirmation, the explosive comments made by a sitting judge continue to fuel speculation and throw a shadow over the legitimacy of the most recent Dancing With the Stars finale.
