Image Source: The Washington Post
Dancing With the Stars is benching longtime professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy after a social media joke about judge Carrie Ann Inaba was deemed inappropriate. BBC Studios, which produces the ballroom competition, confirmed Saturday that Chmerkovskiy will not participate in the next episode.
“The well-being of everyone who works on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is non-negotiable,” BBC Studios said in a statement. “Val’s social media post was inappropriate and does not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected with the show.”
Why Dancing With the Stars Removed Val Chmerkovskiy
The controversy began after the Oct. 13 episode, when Inaba criticized Jenna Johnson during a routine and explained the definition of a lift. Chmerkovskiy, who is married to Johnson, later posted a message referencing the 2022 Oscars incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock.
“You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night,” Chmerkovskiy wrote in a TikTok story, appearing to allude to Smith’s infamous slap. He also used language echoing Smith’s onstage confrontation with Rock, telling Inaba to keep his wife’s name out of the conversation.
The post was quickly deleted, but Inaba became aware of it after media outlets and fans brought it to her attention. She later addressed the matter on Instagram, thanking those who alerted her to the remark.
A Powerful Apology From the Professional Dancer
Chmerkovskiy apologized publicly before BBC Studios announced his absence from the upcoming show. In a statement shared on Instagram, he said his instinct was to defend his wife but acknowledged that he made “a poor decision” by referencing a meme without considering what it could imply.
“Carrie Ann certainly didn’t deserve to get caught in the middle of my bad judgment, and I hate that she was,” he wrote.
He also said he did not want to distract from Dedication Night or from the work of his dance partner, Jenna Dewan. Chmerkovskiy encouraged fans to support Inaba, Dewan and the entire DWTS family while he watched the episode from home.
Earlier in the week, he had issued another apology, writing that he had contacted Inaba directly and regretted the impact of his words. He said his public platform required him to pause before posting and ensure that his comments reflected the role-model standards expected of him.
Jenna Dewan Will Continue Dancing During Dedication Night
Chmerkovskiy’s removal will not stop Jenna Dewan from performing. According to Variety, Dewan will dance during Dedication Night and will be paired with Alan Bersten, who was eliminated in the show’s third week.
The pair is scheduled to perform a Viennese waltz to “Unchained Melody,” with the routine dedicated to Dewan’s mother. A source described Dewan as a “true professional” who has continued to show respect for the process despite the sudden change.
- Val Chmerkovskiy will miss the next episode.
- Jenna Dewan will remain in the competition.
- Alan Bersten will step in as Dewan’s temporary dance partner.
- The pair will perform a Viennese waltz to “Unchained Melody.”
“Jenna is a beloved part of the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ family, and we are grateful for the joy and positivity she brings to the show,” the source said.
Carrie Ann Inaba Has Faced Ongoing Ballroom Backlash
The incident arrives as Inaba continues to speak openly about the criticism directed at her during the competition. In a previous interview with Variety, the judge described the constant booing and harsh online comments she receives from viewers.
Inaba said the negativity has affected her emotionally and sometimes made her feel afraid during the season. She also noted that the criticism aimed at her often differs from the treatment received by fellow judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli.
Her comments add broader context to the dispute. While Chmerkovskiy said his post was intended as a defense of his wife, the production’s response underscores its position that jokes involving violence or intimidation are unacceptable, particularly when directed toward a member of the judging panel.
What Happens Next on Dancing With the Stars?
Chmerkovskiy’s absence is expected to be temporary, though BBC Studios did not announce a specific return date. The immediate focus will remain on Dewan’s performance and whether the unexpected partner change affects her position in the competition.
The decision also sends a clear message to the show’s cast and crew: social media posts can carry consequences, even when deleted quickly or followed by an apology. For viewers, the next episode will combine the emotional performances of Dedication Night with an unusually high-profile behind-the-scenes controversy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Val Chmerkovskiy removed from Dancing With the Stars?
He was benched after posting a joke that referenced the Will Smith and Chris Rock Oscars slap while responding to Carrie Ann Inaba’s critique of a routine involving his wife, Jenna Johnson.
Will Val Chmerkovskiy return to the show?
BBC Studios said he would not participate in the next episode but did not confirm when he might return to the ballroom.
Who will dance with Jenna Dewan?
Jenna Dewan will perform with Alan Bersten during Dedication Night.
What did Val Chmerkovskiy say in his apology?
Chmerkovskiy said he made a poor decision, apologized to Inaba and acknowledged that his post could imply something he never intended.
