Professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy will not perform on next week's broadcast of "Dancing With the Stars" following an online remark referencing the infamous 2022 Oscars slap aimed at long-tenured judge Carrie Ann Inaba. The decision, handed down by producer BBC Studios, sidelines the veteran dancer for the upcoming Dedication Night episode.
BBC Studios issued a formal statement explaining that upholding workplace standards led to the disciplinary action. The company stressed that the well-being of the show's cast and crew remains a non-negotiable priority, adding that Chmerkovskiy's social media commentary breached the conduct expected of individuals associated with the production.
The Ballroom Exchange and Social Media Fallout
The issue began following the Oct. 13 broadcast of the competition series. During the episode, Inaba offered a technical critique to professional dancer Jenna Johnson, who is married to Chmerkovskiy, regarding an illegal lift in her choreography. Inaba even read aloud the formal definition of a lift while scoring the performance.
In response to the judging critique, Chmerkovskiy posted a message to his TikTok story that said, "You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night." The comment was an apparent reference to Will Smith's physical altercation with Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards. While Chmerkovskiy promptly deleted the story, Inaba addressed the situation on Instagram, noting she had been alerted to the post by the media.
Chmerkovskiy Issues Public and Private Apologies
Before production confirmed his absence, Chmerkovskiy addressed the backlash on Thursday via his Instagram Story. He extended an apology directly to Inaba and expressed regret to viewers and fans, acknowledging his poor judgment in making the post.
Chmerkovskiy explained that he had contacted Inaba privately to apologize. He noted that his initial protective instinct toward his wife clouded his decision-making, leading him to reference a popular meme without considering the violent implications tied to the event. He added that Inaba did not deserve to be the target of his lapse in judgment.
Following the production company's announcement barring him from next week's taping, Chmerkovskiy posted another statement stating he did not want his actions to detract from Dedication Night or the efforts of the rest of the cast. He confirmed he would be supporting the cast from home.
Jenna Dewan Re-Paired for Dedication Night
Chmerkovskiy's celebrity partner for the season, Jenna Dewan, will continue her run on the series despite the sudden shakeup. For the upcoming episode, Dewan is scheduled to perform a Viennese waltz set to "Unchained Melody" dedicated to her mother.
To replace Chmerkovskiy, producers have paired Dewan with pro dancer Alan Bersten, who had previously been eliminated from the competition in week three. A production source confirmed that Dewan remained professional and respectful throughout the transition as rehearsals moved forward.
Inaba's Ongoing Scrutiny on the Panel
The incident highlights longstanding tensions regarding the critique Inaba faces as an original judge on the series. Earlier during Season 34, Inaba spoke candidly about receiving consistent booing and harsh online backlash for her strict scoring, pointing out that fellow judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli rarely encounter the same treatment.
Inaba revealed that the persistent verbal attacks and cruel remarks over the years have occasionally caused her to feel fearful during the middle stretch of seasons. As "Dancing With the Stars" prepares for its next live broadcast, production continues under the temporary partnership change while reinforcing conduct expectations for talent across the franchise.
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Source: Variety
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