Val Chmerkovskiy, a well-known dancer on the popular competition show “Dancing with the Stars,” has been suspended for one week following backlash over a controversial social media post. The incident revolves around a remark he made about judge Carrie Ann Inaba, which drew comparisons to a notorious moment from the 2022 Oscars.
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Chmerkovskiy’s suspension means that he will not be participating in the upcoming “Dedication Night” episode slated for October 20. His partner for the week, Jenna Dewan, has enlisted the help of fellow dancer Alan Bersten, who will step in to perform alongside her. To preview her routine, Dewan shared a video on the official “Dancing with the Stars” Instagram account, expressing her excitement for the performance dedicated to her mother, Nancy.
In the lead-up to this episode, which is designed to honour people of significance in the contestants’ lives, Dewan revealed she and Bersten would be dancing a Viennese waltz to “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers. Traditionally, “Dedication Night” features emotionally charged performances that pay tribute to family members, mentors, or others who have made a lasting impact on the dancers’ lives.
The controversy that led to Chmerkovskiy’s suspension began during a recent episode of the show, wherein Inaba critiqued a dance move executed by Chmerkovskiy’s wife, Jenna Johnson, who is also a professional dancer on the series. Following this exchange, Chmerkovskiy took to TikTok and shared what he later described as an inappropriate comment, likening the situation to the infamous slap delivered by Will Smith to Chris Rock during the 2022 Academy Awards, which stemmed from a joke made about Smith’s wife.
After receiving backlash for his remarks, Chmerkovskiy deleted the offending TikTok post and posted an apology on Instagram. In his message, he expressed deep regret for his words and noted that he had personally reached out to Inaba to offer an apology. He acknowledged the impact of his comments beyond the immediate context of the show and reiterated his commitment to do better in the future.
Subsequently, on October 17, Chmerkovskiy made a public statement regarding his absence from the show, indicating his desire not to distract from the performances during such a significant event. “The last thing I want is to become a distraction from an important week or from the incredible work my dance partner Jenna Dewan is putting in,” he wrote. He encouraged fans to show support for Inaba, Dewan, and the entire “Dancing with the Stars” family during the Dedication Night episode.
In response to the incident, BBC Studios, the production company behind “Dancing with the Stars,” issued a statement underscoring that the welfare of all participants is paramount. They conveyed that Chmerkovskiy’s comments were unacceptable and did not align with the values held by the show, leading to his suspension.
Alan Bersten, who has previously been eliminated from the competition this season, will take over Dewan’s partnership while Chmerkovskiy is sidelined. This arrangement has sparked a mixture of excitement and concern among fans who are keen to see how Dewan and Bersten will interpret their routine on the night dedicated to heartfelt tributes.
“Dancing with the Stars” is set to air every Tuesday at 8 p.m. EST/PST on ABC and Disney+. As the show moves forward, the repercussions of Chmerkovskiy’s remarks serve as a reminder of the ever-present scrutiny surrounding public figures and the importance of maintaining a respectful dialogue within the entertainment industry.