DWTS' Charity Lawson Addresses Carrie Ann Inaba's Finale Critiques and Provides Update on Jaw Injury
Charity Lawson responds to Carrie Ann Inaba's critiques on her performance in the 'DWTS' season 32 finale, expressing confusion She also updates on her jaw injury
Despite receiving some negative feedback from Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba, Charity Lawson remained focused and determined to make the most of her season 32 finale experience. The 27-year-old Bachelorette alum and her partner Artem Chigvintsev aimed for redemption in their week one tango performance on Tuesday, December 5. Despite a minor setback that prompted some criticism from Inaba, they ultimately received a solid score of 29 out of 30 for their routine, with the judge acknowledging the palpable connection between the pair.
Lawson and Chigvintsev, 41, felt that despite the criticism they faced, they were able to redeem themselves in the challenge. Lawson revealed exclusively to We after the show, "I think I was a little confused [by Carrie Ann’s comments] and I don’t really know what the error was, but I feel really happy with that dance. And despite that, I mean, obviously, Bruno [Tonioli] and Derek [Hough] still gave me a great score and great feedback, too. So, it’s OK. It happens."
While Tonioli, 68 and Hough, 38, each awarded the couple 10 points, Inaba only gave them a nine. However, later in the evening, Lawson and Chigvintsev earned a perfect 30 for their cheerleading-inspired freestyle routine.
“That was incredible. I thought, ‘Artem is a genius for this,’ because I wasn’t sure,” Lawson said of the concept. “Freestyle is all about showcasing your strengths, but the fact that he incorporated my cheerleading background into ballroom dancing, I was thrilled.” During rehearsal for the live show, Lawson was taken to the hospital after injuring her jaw while practicing a toss. She assured Us that she’s “OK,” adding, “The jaw is great.”
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Despite feeling "freaked out" by her injury, Lawson's performance proceeded without any issues. "I couldn't open my mouth because it got hit and it was just really sore," she told Us. "But it was just one of those moments where I was like, 'Oh, it's just a little freak accident,' and just had to get some ice and some Motrin. But we're all good."
Lawson and Chigvintsev finished the season in fourth place, surpassing Alyson Hannigan and Sasha Farber. Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov took third place, while Jason Mraz and Daniella Karagach and Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy remained in the running for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Ultimately, Gomez, 17, and Chmerkovskiy, 37, emerged as the winners.
Reflecting on her DWTS experience, Lawson described it as "bittersweet," stating, "It truly has been one of the most enjoyable weeks, even though it's the last...it's still very intense. But I had the most fun this week, tonight. I think these were the best dances we've had all season."
Disney/Eric McCandless
As the season comes to a close, Lawson is eagerly anticipating some much-needed quality time with her fiancé Dotun Olubeko. "The holidays are just around the corner, so we're planning to spend it with my family," she revealed. "It's actually going to be his first time visiting my hometown, which is pretty wild because we jumped right into this [after The Bachelorette], so we haven't had a chance to go home and have him see where I grew up. But we'll be celebrating with my family."
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In 2024, she will be making a special appearance on the DWTS Live Tour alongside Gomez and fellow season 32 alum Harry Jowsey. "After that, Dotun and I will sit down and figure out when we'll have the wedding and set a date," Lawson told Us.
