Val Chmerkovskiy, a professional dancer on the popular television series *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS), has received a suspension following a social media post that referenced the infamous Oscars slap by Will Smith. This incident has garnered considerable attention, particularly as it involved a comment regarding judge Carrie Ann Inaba. Val is expected to return to the dance floor on 27 October, according to sources close to the show.
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The controversy began when Val posted a since-deleted message that drew parallels between his wife’s treatment on the show and the incident involving Smith. His wife, Jenna Johnson, a fellow DWTS pro, had faced criticism from Inaba during the 13 October episode. In response, Val attempted to voice his support but ended up apologising, acknowledging that he had not considered the broader implications of his remarks.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Val’s older brother and former DWTS star, has commented on the situation, expressing confidence in Val’s ability to navigate the challenges that lie ahead. Speaking to E! News, Maks stated that he has been in a similar position and believes Val will “figure this out.” He conveyed his affection for his brother, affirming that he is there to support him during this trying time.
Val’s suspension led to him missing the episode on 20 October, forcing his partner, actress Jenna Dewan, to dance with another pro, Alan Bersten. Despite the turmoil, Val has publicly supported Dewan during her performance, commending Bersten for stepping in and ensuring that she remained happy and well-represented on the show.
Reflecting on his time with DWTS, Maks offered insights into his experiences on the programme, highlighting the joy of watching Val continue his own journey. He noted, “It’s amazing that I got to do it and now I get to watch someone do it too — live the *Dancing with the Stars* life.” There was a hint of pride in Maks’ voice as he discussed his younger brother’s involvement in the competition, despite the recent controversy.
Both brothers have had their share of challenges within the show’s environment. Maks himself has faced criticism in the past, most notably when he questioned the suitability of a new pro dancer, Jan Ravnik. Following backlash from those comments, Maks apologised, acknowledging his past behaviour and the way it may have influenced perceptions during his tenure on the show.
Val expressed remorse regarding the incident through an Instagram post on 17 October. He characterised his decision to reference the meme as a “poor choice,” saying, “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.” Through his message, he reiterated his respect for Inaba and sought to explain that his intentions had been misunderstood.
With this incident behind him, Val has been spotted returning to rehearsals in preparation for his imminent return to the DWTS stage. Sources confirm that both he and Jenna Dewan will be back together for the upcoming episode, and fans will be eager to see how the duo performs under the spotlight.
As *Dancing with the Stars* continues, the show remains a space filled with both drama and camaraderie, highlighting the ups and downs of its contestants. While Val has faced a setback, family support, alongside his own resilience, will likely play a crucial role in his potential rebound. The show is set to air live at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, offering fans a chance to see how Val copes with the recent challenges and finds his rhythm once again.