Val Chmerkovskiy, a prominent professional dancer, has announced that he will be absent from the upcoming episode of “Dancing with the Stars,” making him the first professional to face suspension in the show’s history. His decision follows controversy sparked by an inappropriate social media post he made, which was intended as a defence of his wife, Jenna Johnson.
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Chmerkovskiy revealed his suspension in an Instagram Story on 17 October 2026, just days after he shared a post that referred to the infamous incident where Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars. This post was made in response to comments made by judge Carrie Ann Inaba regarding Johnson’s performance with her partner, Harry Shum Jr., during the current season.
The professional dancer expressed concern about becoming a distraction during what he called an important week for the show. “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 stated. He emphasised that he wanted to avoid detracting attention from the performances, particularly during the upcoming “Dedication Night” episode.
Chmerkovskiy’s now-deleted post included an image of Smith striking Rock, along with a caption implying that Smith’s reaction might have been more widespread, alluding to his wife’s name. However, Chmerkovskiy acknowledged that his choice of words was careless and not thoughtfully considered. He later clarified that he did not intend for Inaba to be drawn into the fallout of his comments.
In a follow-up message, Chmerkovskiy extended his apologies to Inaba, acknowledging that his remarks could have wider ramifications beyond their immediate circle. “I understand that words affect so many outside of our internal DWTS family,” he remarked, expressing his regret for becoming involved in a moment that detracted from the positivity and hard work surrounding the show.
The show’s producers, BBC Studios, also addressed the situation, reinforcing their commitment to a respectful and safe environment for all involved. “The well-being of everyone who works on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is non-negotiable,” they stated, confirming that Chmerkovskiy’s conduct did not align with the expected values of the show.
This incident marks a significant moment in the history of “Dancing with the Stars,” highlighting the importance of maintaining professionalism in a widely viewed entertainment platform. With the show already navigating the competitive landscape of reality television, it remains to be seen how Chmerkovskiy’s absence will impact viewer engagement and the overall dynamic of the performances.
Chmerkovskiy concluded his social media addresses by extending support to his colleagues, urging fans to send good wishes to Inaba, Johnson, and the entire “Dancing with the Stars” family. “I’ll be watching and cheering everyone on!” he proclaimed, reinforcing his ongoing commitment to the show and its participants despite his temporary withdrawal.
“Dancing with the Stars” continues to air on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST/PST on ABC and Disney+. As the show progresses, all eyes will be on how it adapts in response to this unprecedented event.