DWTS Fans Think This Is Why Carrie Ann Is So Hard On Kaitlyn Bristowe

Kaitlyn Bristowe's time on Dancing with the Stars hasn't been as easy as everyone expected. Even though the former Bachelorette star comes from a dancing background, she's been getting a lot of (perhaps constructive?) criticism from the DWTS judges after every one of her performances. It appears that some judges, especially Carrie Ann Inaba, have been holding the starlet to high standards during the competitive dance series' 29th season. This harsh feedback was also starting to wear on Kaitlyn, with the Bachelorette alum opening up about receiving such low scores. This, of course, drew attention from a lot of fans.

After every episode, Dancing with the Stars fans storm Twitter to voice their thoughts about the performances and cast. And after the Nov. 2, 2020 episode, double elimination night, many people were chirping about Carrie Ann's low scores for Kaitlyn despite the celeb's past dancing experience. So, what are fans saying about Carrie Ann's tough love? Turns out, they think it may have something to do with Kaitlyn's pro dancer partner, Artem Chigvintsev.

Carrie Ann Inaba's dating history may have something to do with the low scores

Throughout DWTS' 29th season, many fans picked up on the fact that Kaitlyn Bristowe was getting a lot of heat from judge Carrie Ann Inaba. Almost every week, Kaitlyn has received harsh critiques from Carrie Ann, as per TV Shows Ace. On double elimination night, Kaitlyn opened up about feeling a little defeated. 

Us Weekly reported that Kaitlyn told Artem during rehearsals, "I feel like I'm never going to be good enough for what they hold me to." The duo went on to perform a jive that was well-received by the other judges, but still did not impress Carrie Ann. 

This led to fans coming up with their own reasoning as to why Kaitlyn and Artem were getting the most tough love from Carrie Ann. Turns out, some fans think it has to do with Carrie Ann and Artem's past relationship. One fan shared on Twitter an old photo of Carrie Ann and Artem together, writing "when you figure out the reason Carrie Ann rips on Kaitlyn every week." Another posted a somewhat shady GIF, writing, "Carrie Ann and Artem used to date. Just saying."

However, others believe Carrie Ann simply holds Kaitlyn to a "higher standard" due to her dance background. " ... Kaitlyn has studied dance all her life, and has marketed herself as a professional dancer. I don't think Artem has a thing to do with Carrie Ann's comments," they shared.

Kaitlyn Bristowe and Artem Chigvintsev think it's personal, too

Even Kaitlyn Bristowe and her partner Artem Chigvintsev are stumped about the low scores from Carrie Ann Inaba. After the Nov. 2, 2020 episode, the pair had an interview with Entertainment Tonight, in which they discussed how they both thought it was "odd." Artem told ET, "[a]t this point it starts being a little personal." Adding, "I feel it's definitely, maybe not a different standard, but I feel like it's different expectations. I don't know. I'm watching back the dance itself, it's like, 'Oh, you can kick sharper!' Well, I can say that about everybody who dances on the show today. I don't know. It's really odd."

Kaitlyn too said she was confused about Carrie Anns scoring, saying, "I would love to have her on the podcast, ask her a few questions. I don't know! I don't know! It's always reassuring to talk to other people and have them asking those same questions because we come back and we're like, 'Huh?' We're good at accepting constructive criticism. We're like, 'Okay, great, now let's apply it. Thank you for the wonderful feedback.' With this one it's like, 'Huh? Okay?'"

So, is Carrie Ann being hard on Artem and Kailtyn because she used to date the dance pro? Or is it due to Kaitlyn's dance background? We will let the Dancing with the Stars fans decide.