‘Dancing with the Stars’ Pro Val Chmerkovskiy Suspended for One Week Following Social Media Post

Val Chmerkovskiy is reportedly suspended from Dancing With the Stars for one week following a controversial social media post about judge Carrie Ann Inaba. The professional dancer allegedly made the comment after Inaba criticized a performance involving his wife, Jenna Johnson. The post referenced the 2022 Academy Awards incident in which actor Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock. The remark sparked backlash online, with viewers questioning whether Chmerkovskiy had crossed a line by bringing the incident into a disagreement over judging.

Social Media Post Sparks Backlash

The controversy reportedly began after Inaba questioned an alleged illegal lift during a routine performed by Johnson and her celebrity partner, Harry Shum Jr. Chmerkovskiy allegedly responded on TikTok, writing, “You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night.” The comment appeared to reference Smith’s role in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and the confrontation at the Oscars. Inaba reportedly responded by sharing a screenshot of the post on Instagram Stories with the caption, “So this is what we’re doing now?” The exchange drew attention to the tension between the show’s professional dancers and its judging panel. However, the comment alone does not establish that Chmerkovskiy intended to physically threaten Inaba.

Chmerkovskiy Apologizes

Following the reported backlash, Chmerkovskiy acknowledged his mistake and apologized to Inaba. He also recognized that his public platform carries responsibility and that he should have considered the potential consequences before posting. In a statement attributed to the dancer, he said Inaba did not deserve to be caught in the middle of his poor judgment. He reportedly contacted her directly to address the situation.

What Happens Next?

Chmerkovskiy is expected to miss one episode while his celebrity partner continues competing with a temporary replacement. Professional dancer Alan Bersten is reportedly set to step in for the upcoming Dedication Night episode. The reported suspension highlights the potential consequences of social media activity for public figures associated with major television productions. However, the suspension details and attributed statements should be independently verified before publication.