Val Chmerkovskiy Apologizes to “DWTS” Judge Carrie Ann Inaba for Referencing Will Smith’s Oscar Slap in Response to Her Criticism of Jenna Johnson

Val Chmerkovskiy, the acclaimed dancer and choreographer, has issued a heartfelt apology to Carrie Ann Inaba following an incident linked to an inappropriate social media post. The controversy arose after a critique made by Inaba regarding Chmerkovskiy’s wife, Jenna Johnson, and her dance partner Harry Shum Jr. during their samba performance on “Dancing with the Stars.”

On Thursday, October 15, Chmerkovskiy shared his regrets on Instagram Stories, addressing a now-deleted TikTok post in which he had referenced actor Will Smith’s infamous slap of comedian Chris Rock during the 2022 Oscars. This reference came after Inaba’s feedback on Johnson’s performance, which aired on October 13. While expressing his remorse, Chmerkovskiy stated that he had directly reached out to Inaba to convey his apologies personally.

“I want to apologise from the bottom of my heart for my recent post,” Chmerkovskiy stated in his message. He acknowledged the importance of his platform and the influence it carries, emphasising his commitment to being a better role model. “I truly regret making the Smith reference,” he added, highlighting the inappropriateness of using such a dramatic incident in a light-hearted context.

Inaba’s critique of Johnson and Shum’s routine was part of a segment themed around the Super Bowl. While she praised their performance, she highlighted areas for improvement, noting that the samba lacked “more content” and contained an illegal lift. This specific comment prompted Johnson to seek clarification on what constituted an illegal lift, leading to an explanation from Inaba about the technical rules.

Reacting to the critiques, Johnson expressed her feelings about the judging process to the media. “It’s hard when someone’s called out for a lift, especially when you’re unaware of it,” she explained after the episode. Her husband, Chmerkovskiy, later commented that he regretted his online reaction, which he now recognises as insensitive, not just to Inaba but to all who might have been affected by his words.

The TikTok post, which included a visual referencing the notorious slap, drew criticism from many viewers, who felt it trivialised serious issues around violence. Inaba later addressed the attention her critique received, thanking followers and various media outlets for bringing the matter to light. She also highlighted a comment that speculated Chmerkovskiy’s intent was not a direct reference to violence, suggesting that it might rather have been a casual remark about Smith’s quote concerning his wife.

Chmerkovskiy acknowledged the significant impact of his words beyond the immediate circle of “Dancing with the Stars.” In his public apology, he reiterated that he understands the reach of his statements and the responsibilities that come with his position. “I need to treat that with more care by actively pausing to think before I post,” he noted.

Following this incident, opinions about Inaba’s critiques have remained mixed among viewers and fellow dancers. Maxim Chmerkovskiy, Val’s brother, expressed his own thoughts during a podcast appearance, questioning the applicability of certain judging standards in the context of the show.

This controversy sheds light on the dynamics within the “Dancing with the Stars” community, where judges and contestants must navigate both critique and performance under public scrutiny. As the show continues, the participants and audience are reminded of the importance of thoughtful engagement, especially when sensitive subjects arise in conversation.

“Dancing with the Stars” airs every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, and the latest events are sure to keep viewers engaged in the journey of celebrities navigating dance alongside the highs and lows of public opinion.