Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba left her fellow judges, contestants, and viewers speechless after making a seriously awkward incest reference during Season 35’s Grammy Night.
The eyebrow-raising moment happened while Carrie Ann was critiquing two-time Paralympian Ezra Frech and his professional partner, Daniella Karagach, following their Argentine tango to Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love” (Remix) for Grammy Night.
Throughout the season, Ezra and Daniella have frequently described their relationship as being similar to that of a brother and sister. However, Carrie Ann apparently took that comparison in a very different direction while discussing the intimacy required for their latest routine.
“That was by far the hardest dance you’ve done so far. Am I right?” she began. “The intimacy. Turning your sister into your lover for one night is all good!” Carrie Ann declared.
Ezra laughed at the unexpected analogy, while Daniella appeared visibly uncomfortable. Co-host Alfonso Ribeiro quickly acknowledged the awkward wording, chiming in, “Sister to lover, that’s awkward.”
Even fellow judge Derek Hough couldn’t quite move past the comment. “Tell me about it, that was weird,” he admitted as Carrie Ann laughed.
The DWTS cast weren’t the only ones caught off guard. Viewers quickly took to social media to express their disbelief over Carrie Ann’s choice of words. “‘Turning your sister into your lover’ are words you should never utter on TV.”
Another commenter referenced Cersei and Jaime Lannister, writing, “OK Carrie Ann this ain’t Game of Thrones 😭😭.” Other viewers described the analogy as “insane” and “extremely gross.”
