Professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy has been suspended for one week from Dancing With the Stars following a controversial social media post directed at judge Carrie Ann Inaba. BBC Studios announced the disciplinary decision on Saturday, October 17, 2026, stating that the remarks violated the professional standards expected of individuals associated with the hit ABC competition series.
The controversy stems from an exchange during the October 13 episode, often referred to as Super Bowl Night. During the broadcast, Carrie Ann Inaba criticized a routine performed by pro dancer Jenna Johnson-who is married to Chmerkovskiy-alongside her celebrity partner, Harry Shum Jr. Inaba took specific issue with an alleged illegal lift in the choreography, interrupting judge Derek Hough to read the official definition from the rulebook and calling for more content in future routines.
Following the broadcast, Chmerkovskiy posted a reaction on his TikTok account regarding the judges’ feedback. He initially wrote, “Put some respect on her name. She’s trippin’ talking to her like that,” before escalating matters in a subsequent TikTok Story by writing, “You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night.” Many followers and media outlets interpreted the comment as an allusion to Will Smith storming the stage and slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards after a joke made about Jada Pinkett Smith.
Inaba later addressed the post on Instagram, thanking media outlets for bringing the remarks to her attention and writing, “So this is what we are doing now?”
BBC Studios and Chmerkovskiy Release Statements
In its official announcement, BBC Studios emphasized that workplace safety and staff welfare remain top priorities for the production. “The well-being of everyone who works on Dancing with the Stars is non-negotiable. Val’s social media post was inappropriate and does not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected with the show,” the production company stated. “As a result, he will not participate in next week’s show.”
Chmerkovskiy issued a public apology via Instagram on Thursday, October 15, before his suspension was finalized, and followed up with an additional statement after the studio’s announcement.
“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, which was genuinely never my intention,” Chmerkovskiy said. “Carrie Ann certainly didn’t deserve to get caught in the middle of my bad judgment, and I hate that she was.”
He added that he reached out to Inaba directly to apologize and expressed regret for letting down fans and colleagues. “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. Please send Carrie Ann, Jenna, and the whole DWTS family lots of love during Dedication Night. I’ll be watching and cheering everyone on!!”
How Jenna Dewan Will Proceed on Dedication Night
Despite the sudden coaching shakeup ahead of Week 6 (Dedication Night), Chmerkovskiy’s celebrity partner, Jenna Dewan, will continue competing in the ballroom. Sources close to the production confirm that Dewan has remained a true professional throughout the ordeal.
For the upcoming episode, Dewan will be paired with fellow pro dancer Alan Bersten-who was eliminated earlier in the season-to perform a Viennese waltz set to “Unchained Melody,” dedicated to her mother.
Meanwhile, fellow cast members have urged fans to refocus on the positive and supportive nature of the competition. Celebrity competitor Harry Shum Jr. shared an extensive social media post highlighting the hard work and joy brought by his fellow dancers and pros, reminding viewers that the primary goal of the series is celebration and community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Val Chmerkovskiy suspended from DWTS?
Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended for one week by BBC Studios because he posted an inappropriate social media reference on TikTok. His comment invoked the 2022 Oscars slap incident involving Will Smith after judge Carrie Ann Inaba critiqued his wife, Jenna Johnson.
Who is dancing with Jenna Dewan during Val Chmerkovskiy’s suspension?
Jenna Dewan will compete on Dedication Night alongside pro dancer Alan Bersten, performing a Viennese waltz dedicated to her mother.
Did Val Chmerkovskiy apologize to Carrie Ann Inaba?
Yes. Chmerkovskiy issued a public apology on Instagram and reached out to Inaba directly and personally to express his regret over the careless remark.
How long is Val Chmerkovskiy’s suspension?
The suspension lasts for one week, causing him to miss the upcoming episode of Season 35.
What did Carrie Ann Inaba say to spark the controversy?
During the October 13 episode, Inaba critiqued a routine performed by Jenna Johnson and Harry Shum Jr., pointing out an illegal rule-breaking lift and calling for more core dance content in future numbers.
