Val Chmerkovskiy, a well-known professional dancer on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” has been suspended for the first time in the series’ history following controversial remarks made on social media. The announcement of his suspension surfaced on October 17, and Chmerkovskiy confirmed it just days later.
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The incident that led to this unprecedented disciplinary action stemmed from a now-deleted social media post in which Chmerkovskiy referenced the infamous slap delivered by actor Will Smith at the Oscars in 2022. The post was aimed at judge Carrie Ann Inaba following her critique of Chmerkovskiy’s wife, Jenna Johnson, during a previous performance. This action has sparked significant conversation regarding the conduct expected of participants on such a high-profile platform.
During the episode aired on October 20, co-host Alfonso Ribeiro opened with an acknowledgment of Chmerkovskiy’s absence, while opting not to elaborate on the reasons behind it. Ribeiro stated, “As you can see, Alan Bersten is with Jenna Dewan because… Val is not with us this week,” providing viewers with only a hint of his suspension’s gravity.
In his direct response to the situation, Chmerkovskiy expressed regret over how his comments inadvertently affected Inaba, stating, “In a moment where my instinct was to defend my wife, I made a poor decision.” He explained that he had not fully considered the implications of his words and acknowledged that his unintentional reference should not have involved Inaba.
Furthermore, Chmerkovskiy clarified that his intention was never to cause distress to the judge, and he has since reached out to her directly to apologise. In an Instagram post, he noted, “I am truly sorry to Carrie Ann and everyone who I hurt with my careless post. I will do better moving forward.” He also highlighted the significance of the upcoming performances, stating, “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.”
While Chmerkovskiy is suspended, fellow dancer Alan Bersten has stepped in to partner with Jenna Dewan, performing a Viennese waltz to “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers. Dewan dedicated her dance to her mother, urging viewers to appreciate the bond they share. Bersten shared his enthusiasm for participating, saying, “I am so honoured to be stepping in and dancing with @jennadewan.”
In the wake of these events, BBC Studios, which produces “Dancing with the Stars,” issued a statement deeming Chmerkovskiy’s post as “inappropriate.” They underscored that such behaviour does not align with the programme’s values. “The well-being of everyone who works on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is non-negotiable,” they asserted.
Despite the controversy, both Chmerkovskiy and Dewan continue to receive support from fans, with Chmerkovskiy encouraging his followers to “send Carrie Ann, Jenna, and the whole DWTS family lots of love during Dedication Night.” He has expressed his intentions to watch the episodes and cheer on his colleagues from afar, emphasising his commitment to his role and the show.
“Dancing with the Stars” remains a popular fixture in television, airing live every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. The series continues to showcase the talent and dedication of its performers, even amidst unexpected challenges such as the current suspension of one of its prominent dancers. The coming weeks will be pivotal not only for Chmerkovskiy but for the entire cast, as they navigate through the dynamics of the competition with heightened awareness and sensitivity to the responsibilities that come with their platform.