Image Source: Deadline
Val Chmerkovskiy has been suspended from Dancing With the Stars for one week after sharing a since-deleted TikTok that appeared to reference the infamous 2022 Oscars confrontation between Will Smith and Chris Rock.
BBC Studios, the producer of Dancing With the Stars, confirmed the disciplinary action in a statement released October 17. The decision follows a social media controversy that began after the show’s “Super Bowl Night,” when judge Carrie Ann Inaba delivered a particularly critical assessment of a performance involving Chmerkovskiy’s wife, professional dancer Jenna Johnson.
Val Chmerkovskiy Suspended After Controversial TikTok
In the TikTok post, Chmerkovskiy wrote, “You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night.” The phrase “Fresh Prince” was widely understood as a reference to Smith’s former television character and to the actor’s widely publicized altercation with Rock at the Academy Awards.
During the 2022 Oscars ceremony, Smith walked onto the stage and slapped Rock after the comedian made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Although Chmerkovskiy later said he did not intend to suggest that he might take similar action, the wording quickly drew scrutiny online.
BBC Studios said the post did not meet the standards expected of people connected with the program.
“The well-being of everyone who works on Dancing with the Stars is non-negotiable,” the production company said. “Val’s social media post was inappropriate and does not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected with the show. As a result, he will not participate in next week’s show.”
A Heated Reaction to Carrie Ann Inaba’s Critique
The controversy developed after Inaba criticized a lift during Johnson’s performance. The judge reportedly read the definition of a lift on air and suggested that Johnson, as an experienced professional, should have known the move violated the competition’s expectations.
Chmerkovskiy’s response appeared to defend his wife, but the reference to Smith’s Oscars incident created an unintended impression that he was threatening or considering physical retaliation. Inaba later addressed the situation on Instagram, writing, “So this is what we are doing now?” Her post included images connected to Chmerkovskiy and Smith.
The exchange sparked debate among viewers about criticism, professional boundaries and the responsibilities of performers with large social media followings. It also placed renewed attention on how quickly jokes posted online can be interpreted as threats, especially when they invoke a highly recognizable act of violence.
Chmerkovskiy Apologizes for “Poor Judgment”
After the post was deleted, Chmerkovskiy apologized publicly and said he had also reached out to Inaba directly. In a statement shared through his representative, he acknowledged that the TikTok was a mistake.
“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, without stopping to think through what else that reference could imply,” he said.
Chmerkovskiy added that Inaba did not deserve to be drawn into the situation and said he regretted turning attention away from the program and its performers. He also apologized to viewers, noting that his public platform carries responsibility and that he needed to pause before posting.
- Chmerkovskiy’s TikTok has been deleted.
- BBC Studios suspended him for the following week’s episode.
- He apologized to Carrie Ann Inaba and the show’s audience.
- Jenna Johnson is expected to perform with Alan Bersten during Dedication Night.
What Happens to Jenna Johnson on Dedication Night?
Chmerkovskiy will not appear in the ballroom during the upcoming Dedication Night episode. Johnson is expected to dance with professional partner Alan Bersten while Chmerkovskiy serves his one-week suspension.
The performance is set to honor Johnson’s mother, making the upcoming episode an important personal moment for the dancer. Chmerkovskiy said he hoped viewers would focus on Johnson’s work and support the entire Dancing With the Stars cast rather than the controversy surrounding his post.
The incident is another example of the challenges public figures face when responding immediately on social media. For Chmerkovskiy, an attempt to defend a family member turned into a significant workplace issue, prompting an official suspension and a public apology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Val Chmerkovskiy suspended?
Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended for one week after posting a TikTok that appeared to reference Will Smith’s 2022 Oscars slap involving Chris Rock.
What did Chmerkovskiy say in the TikTok?
He wrote, “You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night,” after Carrie Ann Inaba criticized a performance involving Jenna Johnson.
Did Val Chmerkovskiy apologize?
Yes. Chmerkovskiy called the post a poor decision, apologized to Inaba and expressed regret for creating a distraction for the show.
Who will dance with Jenna Johnson?
Jenna Johnson is expected to dance with professional partner Alan Bersten during the upcoming Dedication Night episode.
