Professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy will miss the next episode of Dancing With the Stars after the show suspended him for one week over a controversial social-media post involving judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
The dispute began after Inaba criticized a samba performed by professional dancer Jenna Johnson and actor Harry Shum Jr.
Johnson is Chmerkovskiy’s wife.
During her critique, Inaba questioned a lift included in the performance because lifts are restricted in traditional samba routines.
The criticism sparked debate among fans and dancers.
Chmerkovskiy then reacted publicly on social media. TheWrap
The Comment That Triggered the Controversy
In a post that was later deleted, Chmerkovskiy made a reference to the “Fresh Prince,” which many viewers interpreted as an allusion to actor Will Smith.
Smith famously walked onto the Oscars stage in 2022 and slapped comedian Chris Rock after Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Because Chmerkovskiy made his comment while defending his own wife, many people interpreted the reference as implying violence toward Inaba.
The post immediately generated criticism online. Just Jared
Inaba later acknowledged the controversy on Instagram, questioning whether such a response was appropriate.
BBC Studios Announces Suspension
BBC Studios, which produces Dancing With the Stars , announced that Chmerkovskiy would not participate in the next live episode.
The company said the post did not meet the standards expected from people connected with the program and emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe workplace. Deadline
The suspension will last one week.
That means Chmerkovskiy will miss the October 20 episode, which is themed Dedication Night.
What Happens to Jenna Dewan?
Chmerkovskiy’s celebrity partner this season is actress Jenna Dewan.
She will remain in the competition.
For the upcoming episode, professional dancer Alan Bersten will temporarily replace Chmerkovskiy.
Bersten had previously been partnered with chef Giada De Laurentiis earlier in the season before their elimination.
Dewan is expected to perform a Viennese waltz dedicated to her mother. Parade
This temporary arrangement allows Dewan to continue competing even though her regular professional partner is suspended.
Chmerkovskiy Apologizes
Chmerkovskiy issued both a private and public apology after the backlash.
He explained that his initial instinct had been to defend his wife but acknowledged that the reference he used was inappropriate.
He also said he did not want the controversy to distract from Jenna Dewan’s performance or from the other dancers participating in Dedication Night. TheWrap
The apology came before BBC Studios formally announced his suspension.
Why the Story Became So Big
Dancing With the Stars has a large television and social-media audience.
Disagreements between judges and professional dancers are not unusual.
However, this incident moved beyond a typical judging dispute because the social-media post was interpreted as referencing one of the most infamous acts of violence in recent entertainment history.
It also demonstrates how quickly a comment posted online can affect a television personality’s professional position.
A message that takes only seconds to publish can generate headlines, corporate responses and disciplinary consequences within hours.
Social Media and Professional Responsibility
The controversy reflects a broader challenge for celebrities and public figures.
Social media allows performers to speak directly to millions of followers without going through traditional media or public-relations teams.
That can create a stronger connection with fans.
But it also means emotional or impulsive reactions can become permanent public records.
Television networks and production companies increasingly treat personal social-media activity as part of professional conduct.
For Chmerkovskiy, the consequence is currently limited to a one-week suspension.
He is expected to return after Dedication Night unless the program announces additional action.
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