Jenna Johnson, a professional dancer known for her appearances on “Dancing with the Stars,” attended the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Los Angeles on October 18, 2026. The 32-year-old star was seen at the event without her husband, Val Chmerkovskiy, who is currently serving a temporary suspension from the dance competition series.
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Chmerkovskiy, who is 40 years old, faced a one-week ban after making a social media post that was deemed inappropriate. This post was in response to criticisms from judge Carrie Ann Inaba regarding Johnson’s performance alongside her dance partner, Harry Shum Jr. Inaba commented on a lift incorporated into the routine, clarifying the technical definition of the move during a recent broadcast.
Attending the show solo, Johnson donned a stunning strapless red dress and shared her excitement about the event on social media. She posted an Instagram video highlighting her glam look with the caption: “Saw the angels tonight 🪽✨💕 @victoriassecret.” Supportive comments from friends flooded her posts, with fellow DWTS cast member Adele Zaikman saying, “So beautiful ❤️,” and actress Danielle Fishel complimenting her outfit by stating, “This LOOK!! 😍😍 Omg you’re an angel.”
Chmerkovskiy’s suspension stemmed from a now-deleted Instagram post where he controversially referenced the infamous Oscar incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock. In his intended defence of Johnson, Chmerkovskiy noted, “You almost saw the Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night,” which drew attention in light of the previous week’s criticism of Johnson’s performance.
In a follow-up statement shared via his Instagram Stories, Chmerkovskiy expressed remorse for his decision to share such a post, acknowledging the impact it could have had on others. He stated, “In a moment where my instinct was to defend my wife, I made a poor decision to reference a meme to ‘keep my wife’s name’ out of the conversation…” Chmerkovskiy clarified that his intentions were misunderstood, and he regretted the distraction caused by his actions.
Chmerkovskiy went on to address the situation regarding Inaba directly, sharing his sentiments towards the judge. He expressed his disdain for her getting inadvertently caught in the crossfire of his poor judgement and offered his support to her, along with his dance partner Jenna Dewan, who was preparing to compete during his suspension.
Dewan, having trained hard for the upcoming performance, will dance with Alan Bersten instead. Bersten, returning to perform, had previously been eliminated from this season’s competition while partnered with celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis. Dewan’s performance is set for October 20 and will air as part of the show’s Dedication Night.
“Dancing with the Stars” continues to air weekly on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time on ABC and Disney+. Despite the ongoing drama, Johnson remains a celebrated figure in the dance community, showcasing her talent and grace on platforms beyond the competition. As the events unfold, fans are left to speculate on the outcomes for both Johnson and Chmerkovskiy during this challenging time.
In her public appearances and interactions via social media, Jenna Johnson has maintained a professional façade, focusing on her love for dance and the supportive community surrounding her. Her participation in high-profile events like the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show serves to bolster her presence in the entertainment industry, even while navigating personal challenges.