Witney Carson Defends Guillermo Rodriguez After DWTS Judges’ Low Scores

In post-episode interviews, Witney Carson didn’t hold back in her assessment of the judging panel’s treatment of Rodriguez. Carson, who is a veteran of the show, is no stranger to constructive criticism but says she’s had enough of what she considers personal or overly negative attacks on her partner.

“A little mean” and “uncalled for” were the judges’ scores and commentary in the end, Carson said. Her defense is framed by Rodriguez’s involvement. Rodriguez is primarily a comedic personality, unlike some celebrity contestants with theater, music, or athletic backgrounds. He is not trying to impress with his technical pivot turns or footwork precision. He is trying to be funny and charming; that is what appeals to the audience.

“I respect the expertise of the judges, but I felt the tone of the critique was out of sync with Rodriguez’s effort and experience level,” Carson said. The show’s structure should allow entertainers who bring the views and the fun, even if they’re not technically perfect, she said.

Guillermo Rodriguez has been a staple of American late-night television for years, most notably as a security guard-turned-correspondent on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He gained popularity with viral comedy skits and his honest, no-bullshit persona.

Many fans saw his casting on Dancing With the Stars as a popularity move and not a competitive one. Rodriguez has been open about his lack of dance training and has regularly used self-deprecating humor to address his missteps on the ballroom floor. For many viewers, his presence brings a relatable, comedic element to the high-stakes competitions.

Judges on Dancing With the Stars, including Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli in recent seasons, score contestants on technique, performance, and choreography. The judges have historically said their job was to give honest feedback to help celebrities improve, no matter where they started.

But the line between strict technical adjudication and encouraging celebrity participants has long been a point of contention among fans. Critics often say the judges can be too hard on non-dancers, but supporters argue consistent standards are needed to keep the competition fair.

In Rodriguez’s case, the judges likely weighed technical mistakes heavily, which are bound to happen for a novice dancer. But Carson’s retort suggests the feedback lacked the empathy one would expect when dealing with a true novice who, by all indications, is largely in it for entertainment.

This incident highlights a consistent tension in reality competition shows with amateurs: the battle between artistic integrity and entertainment value. Dancing With the Stars mixes serious dancers with celebrity personalities to keep ratings high. When they treat a popular comedian with the same severity as a serious contender, the judging panel risks alienating a section of the audience that tunes in for laughs, not technical perfection.

Carson’s comments also hint at the protective relationship between the professional dancers and their celebrity partners. Professionals often train their partners for many hours a day and see their struggles and improvements firsthand. When outside judges shoot down that effort with harsh words, it can seem like an attack on the pro’s work.

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see whether the judges change their tune on Rodriguez or whether the scoring remains strictly technical. Viewers’ votes count for a lot on “Dancing With the Stars,” and Rodriguez’s appeal to the audience could keep him in the contest even with less-than-stellar scores from the judges.

Witney Carson and Guillermo Rodriguez will likely continue with their routines, and Carson will likely emphasize choreography that lets Rodriguez play to his strengths in comedy and character work, rather than pure technical difficulty.