Val Chmerkovskiy suspended from Dancing With the Stars

Professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy has been issued a one-week suspension from ‘Dancing With the Stars’ following a controversial social media post. The suspension, announced by producer BBC Studios, stems from a TikTok comment Chmerkovskiy made that referenced the 2022 Oscars slap involving Will Smith. The post was made in response to judge Carrie Ann Inaba’s critique of a samba routine performed by Chmerkovskiy’s wife, professional dancer Jenna Johnson.

BBC Studios stated that the post was ‘inappropriate and does not reflect the values or standards expected’ of those connected to the program. Chmerkovskiy issued a public apology, stating he made a ‘poor decision’ while attempting to defend his wife and that he never intended to imply violence.

During his absence, Alan Bersten will step in as a temporary partner for celebrity contestant Jenna Dewan for the upcoming Dedication Night. Bersten is scheduled to perform a Viennese waltz with Dewan, which she is dedicating to her mother. Meanwhile, former pro Gleb Savchenko has publicly criticized both Inaba’s judging regarding the contested lift and the decision to select Bersten as the replacement partner.