DWTS’ Pasha Pashkov Calls Out Carrie Ann Inaba’s “Unfair” Criticism

Pasha Pashkov is meetinghis critics head-on.

The professional dancer on *Dancing With the Stars*, who is currently partnered with Danielle Fishel from *Boy Meets World* on season 34 of the show, expressed his disappointment with judge Carrie Ann Inaba’s comments about their performance during the October 14th episode dedicated to personal stories.

Carrie Ann pointed out that some of the duo’s dances were becoming repetitive. She suggested they add more variation in energy and movement, noting that this applied to both dancers, including Pasha. Their jive was performed as a tribute to Danielle’s former colleague, William Daniels.

Well, Pasha thinks that comment was “unfair.”

He explained to *Variety* in an interview published on October 15th that, considering she pointed out the dances looked alike, their quickstep and jive this week were naturally very similar moves.

Okay, so listen, I’ve been replaying it all in my head, and it just doesn’t add up! If the dances had been totally different but *felt* the same, I’d get it, I really would. But given the actual dances they did? It just didn’t make sense to me, not even a little bit. It just felt…wrong, deep down. I just *know* it wasn’t right.

You know, as someone who observes relationships a lot, I’ve noticed Pasha is incredibly protective of Danielle, and it’s really sweet. He’s seen how much effort she’s been putting into improving her dancing, and he just wants to make sure she’s okay and supported. It’s clear he admires her dedication!

He added of the actress, “I don’t think she deserved that comment.”

Thankfully, no one was eliminated this week. As co-host Julianne Hough explained, because it was a special night, everyone’s scores and votes would be added to the results next week.

Danielle’s competitor, Elaine Hendrix, was particularly pleased, considering she and her partner Alan Bersten only received a score of 29 out of 40 for their foxtrot performance.

“This is incredibly meaningful to me,” the *Parent Trap* star shared with the audience. “It feels like a fresh start, a dream fulfilled, and I couldn’t be more thankful.”

And unlike the judges, Alan believes Elaine “absolutely crushed” her routine.

He told Variety he was incredibly proud of her, adding that the competition is difficult and he wants her to recognize how well she’s performing.

Read on to get to know the DWTS season 34 cast.