The firestorm around Dancing with the Stars has become one of the biggest talking points of Season 35, following professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy’s suspension over a controversial social media post directed at judge Carrie Ann Inaba. The incident temporarily changed the competition for actress Jenna Dewan, sparked disagreements among former professional dancers, and raised fresh questions about accountability, judging standards, and the influence of social media on reality television. Chmerkovskiy has since resumed rehearsals with Dewan and is expected to return for the October 27 episode, bringing a new chapter to a controversy that has extended far beyond the ballroom.
The dispute began after a disagreement over a samba routine involving Jenna Johnson and actor Harry Shum Jr. What initially appeared to be a discussion about dance technique quickly escalated into a public debate involving several members of the show’s professional community. Production officials ultimately imposed a one-episode suspension, while Chmerkovskiy issued an apology for his response.
Although the immediate disciplinary action has concluded, questions about professional conduct, the responsibilities of television personalities, and the boundaries between personal loyalty and public behavior continue to attract attention.
Key Points Summary
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║ – Val Chmerkovskiy received a one-episode suspension after a controversial social media post involving judge Carrie Ann Inaba. ║
║ – The dispute began after Inaba criticized a lift in Jenna Johnson and Harry Shum Jr.’s samba routine. ║
║ – Chmerkovskiy apologized, acknowledging that his reaction showed poor judgment and could have suggested something he did not intend. ║
║ – Alan Bersten temporarily partnered with Jenna Dewan for the October 20 Dedication Night episode. ║
║ – Dewan earned a strong response from the judges, including her first perfect 10 of the season from Inaba. ║
║ – Chmerkovskiy returned to rehearsals on October 21 and is expected to rejoin Dewan for Horror Movie Night on October 27. ║
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How the Controversy Started on Dancing With the Stars
The events leading to the suspension unfolded following the October 13 episode of Dancing with the Stars, which featured performances inspired by Super Bowl entertainment.
During the broadcast, professional dancer Jenna Johnson performed with actor Harry Shum Jr. in a samba routine. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba questioned a lift included in the choreography, explaining that the movement raised concerns about the competition’s technical rules.
Lifts are a familiar feature of dance performances, but their permitted use depends on the style being performed and the rules governing the competition. Judges are responsible for evaluating these details alongside rhythm, timing, technique, and overall presentation.
Inaba’s assessment prompted a disagreement about the movement and how the routine should be judged. The exchange attracted attention because Johnson appeared to challenge the criticism, creating a tense moment during the evaluation.
The disagreement might ordinarily have remained a discussion about choreography. However, Johnson’s husband, Val Chmerkovskiy, subsequently reacted on social media, taking the situation beyond the ballroom.
His response referenced the 2022 Academy Awards incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock. The reference was widely interpreted as an allusion to the physical confrontation that occurred during that ceremony.
The resulting backlash transformed a debate about a dance routine into a broader conversation about whether professional disagreements should be addressed through public comments that evoke violence.
Why Val Chmerkovskiy Received a Suspension
BBC Studios, the production company behind the competition, announced on October 17 that Chmerkovskiy would not participate in the following week’s episode.
The company emphasized that the well-being of people working on the program was a priority. It also stated that Chmerkovskiy’s social media post was inappropriate and did not reflect the values or standards expected of people associated with the production.
The decision resulted in a one-episode suspension, making it a notable development for a series that has featured professional dancers for more than two decades.
Chmerkovskiy is a familiar presence on the program, known for his competitive performances, choreography, and partnerships with celebrity contestants. His temporary absence therefore affected more than the show’s public image. It also required a practical adjustment to the competition.
The dancer had been paired with actress Jenna Dewan for Season 35. With the October 20 broadcast approaching, producers needed to ensure that Dewan could continue participating without her assigned professional partner.
The decision to suspend Chmerkovskiy also demonstrated that activity outside the televised competition can carry consequences for people associated with the production.
For a show built around teamwork, discipline, and live performance, the incident raised questions about how personal disagreements should be managed when they involve colleagues and judges.
Val Chmerkovskiy’s Apology and Response
Following the backlash, Chmerkovskiy acknowledged that his reaction had been poorly considered.
He explained that his initial instinct was to defend his wife after she received criticism during the competition. However, he admitted that referencing the controversial Oscars incident was a mistake because he had not fully considered what the comparison might imply.
He also acknowledged that Inaba did not deserve to be drawn into the situation because of his response.
The apology was an important development because it addressed the distinction between defending someone personally and choosing an appropriate way to express disagreement publicly.
Chmerkovskiy did not need to agree with every aspect of the judging decision to recognize that his reaction could be interpreted differently from how he intended it.
The incident also illustrated the risks of posting during emotionally charged moments. Social media allows public figures to communicate instantly, but it gives them little control over how audiences interpret a message once it begins circulating.
Even deleted posts can remain part of the public conversation through screenshots, commentary, and news coverage.
For Chmerkovskiy, the apology and suspension became two separate parts of the response: one addressed the personal consequences of his comments, while the other reflected the production’s expectations for professional conduct.
Jenna Dewan’s Partnership Changed for Dedication Night
One of the most immediate consequences of the suspension was the temporary partnership between Jenna Dewan and professional dancer Alan Bersten.
Bersten, who had already been eliminated from the season, returned to the ballroom to help Dewan prepare for the October 20 Dedication Night broadcast.
The change presented a challenge because celebrity contestants and professional dancers typically spend considerable time developing choreography, learning each other’s strengths, and building performance chemistry.
A temporary partnership requires both performers to adapt quickly. They must establish timing, coordinate movements, and prepare a polished routine under the pressure of a televised competition.
Dewan nevertheless continued with the episode, keeping her attention on the performance rather than allowing the controversy to end her participation for the week.
The pair performed a Viennese waltz dedicated to Dewan’s mother. The emotional nature of Dedication Night provided an opportunity to shift the focus toward family, personal history, and meaningful storytelling through dance.
Their performance received a strong response from the judges. Dewan earned a score of 37 out of 40, including a perfect 10 from Inaba, her first such score of the season.
The result was particularly noteworthy because Inaba had been at the center of the dispute that led to Chmerkovskiy’s suspension.
Her positive assessment of Dewan’s performance demonstrated that the competition continued to be judged on the routine presented that evening, rather than simply on the controversy surrounding the absent professional dancer.
Alan Bersten’s Unexpected Return Creates Another Debate
Bersten’s temporary return introduced a separate discussion among fans and members of the professional dance community.
Some observers welcomed the decision to give him another opportunity to perform. Others questioned whether he was the most suitable replacement for Chmerkovskiy, considering the different choreography styles and experience each professional brings to a partnership.
Former professional dancer Gleb Savchenko also weighed in, expressing doubts about whether Bersten matched Chmerkovskiy’s performance level. His remarks prompted further reactions online, leading Savchenko to clarify his comments and explain that he was not intending to attack Bersten personally.
The debate highlighted a practical issue within competitive dance: professional partners have different strengths, and a midseason substitution can change the creative direction of a routine.
At the same time, the replacement was not intended to recreate Chmerkovskiy’s partnership with Dewan perfectly. Bersten had to work within the available rehearsal time and help the actress deliver a performance that met the show’s expectations.
Dewan’s score suggested that the temporary arrangement worked well for that particular episode.
The discussion surrounding Bersten also showed how quickly one disciplinary decision can produce additional debates involving other performers, even when the original issue has already been addressed.
Carrie Ann Inaba Remains at the Center of the Discussion
Inaba’s role as a judge has become an important part of the wider debate because her technical critique initiated the sequence of events.
As a judge, she is expected to assess the contestants’ performances honestly. That responsibility includes identifying choreography that may violate a dance style’s rules, even when the performers have worked hard on a routine.
Her evaluations can influence scores, competition standings, and how viewers interpret a performance. That makes judging decisions a natural source of discussion among fans.
However, there is a difference between questioning a judge’s technical assessment and making comments that may be interpreted as threatening.
The controversy has encouraged viewers to consider where that distinction should be drawn.
Some fans have concentrated on whether the lift criticism was justified. Others have focused on the consequences of Chmerkovskiy’s response and the standards that should apply to people working on the show.
Both subjects can be discussed independently. Disagreement over choreography does not automatically justify an inappropriate personal response, just as disciplinary action does not mean every technical judgment made during the original performance is beyond debate.
The episode also highlighted the pressure judges face when their professional opinions become part of a larger online argument involving celebrities, dancers, and highly engaged fan communities.
Social Media’s Growing Influence on Reality Television
The controversy provides another example of how social media has become inseparable from modern reality television.
Viewers no longer need to wait for interviews or subsequent episodes to hear participants respond to a difficult moment. Professional dancers, celebrities, judges, and fans can publish their reactions almost immediately.
That accessibility can make a television competition more interactive. Audiences can discuss choreography, celebrate memorable performances, and follow contestants outside the broadcast.
However, the same immediacy can intensify disagreements.
A brief comment may be shared without its original context, and an attempted joke may be interpreted as a serious statement. Once a post reaches a large audience, its author may struggle to clarify its intended meaning.
The Chmerkovskiy incident illustrates how quickly an online reaction can affect a television production. What began as a disagreement about dance technique resulted in a formal suspension, a temporary partnership change, and extensive discussion among viewers and former cast members.
The firestorm around Dancing with the Stars also demonstrates that public figures must consider how their words may affect colleagues, production teams, and people who are already under intense scrutiny.
Social media can strengthen the relationship between a show and its audience, but it can also create challenges when personal disagreements become public controversies.
What Happens Next for Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Dewan?
The immediate uncertainty surrounding Chmerkovskiy’s participation has largely been resolved.
He resumed rehearsals with Dewan on October 21 after serving his one-episode suspension. He is expected to return to the competition for the October 27 Horror Movie Night episode.
His return will give the original partnership an opportunity to continue after an unusually disruptive week.
Dewan’s successful performance with Bersten may also influence expectations for the next stage of the competition. The temporary pairing showed that she could adapt to a different professional partner while delivering an emotionally engaging routine.
However, her future performances will be evaluated within the usual competitive framework, including choreography, technique, scores, and audience participation.
For Chmerkovskiy, returning to the ballroom also means moving forward after a public apology and a disciplinary decision. Whether the controversy continues to affect audience reactions will depend on subsequent performances and how the situation develops.
The production has established that the suspension was limited to one episode. Beyond the confirmed return, speculation about additional disciplinary measures or lasting changes to the partnership should be treated cautiously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Val Chmerkovskiy suspended from Dancing with the Stars?
He received a one-episode suspension after a social media post referencing the Will Smith and Chris Rock incident at the 2022 Academy Awards was widely interpreted as an inappropriate response to Carrie Ann Inaba’s criticism of his wife’s dance routine.
Did Val Chmerkovskiy apologize to Carrie Ann Inaba?
Chmerkovskiy publicly acknowledged his poor judgment and expressed regret that Inaba had been drawn into the situation. He explained that he had intended to defend his wife but had not adequately considered the implications of the reference.
Who danced with Jenna Dewan during the suspension?
Alan Bersten temporarily partnered with Dewan for the October 20 Dedication Night episode. The pair performed a Viennese waltz dedicated to Dewan’s mother and received a total score of 37 out of 40.
When will Val Chmerkovskiy return?
Chmerkovskiy resumed rehearsals with Dewan on October 21 and is expected to return for the October 27 Horror Movie Night episode.
Did Jenna Dewan perform well with Alan Bersten?
Yes. Dewan received 37 out of 40 points for their Dedication Night routine, including a perfect 10 from Carrie Ann Inaba. The performance demonstrated that the temporary partnership could deliver a strong result.
Will the controversy affect the rest of Season 35?
Its longer-term effect remains uncertain. The incident has already prompted discussions about professional conduct, social media responsibility, and judging standards, but future performances and confirmed production decisions will determine how the season develops.
Final Thoughts
The dispute involving Val Chmerkovskiy and Carrie Ann Inaba has become a defining talking point of Season 35, demonstrating how a disagreement over choreography can develop into a much broader conversation about professionalism and accountability.
Chmerkovskiy’s suspension temporarily changed Jenna Dewan’s partnership, but her successful performance with Alan Bersten kept her competition journey moving. His subsequent return to rehearsals also indicates that the original partnership is expected to continue.
As the show prepares for Horror Movie Night, attention will increasingly turn toward the dancers’ performances and whether the cast can move beyond the recent controversy. The coming episodes may provide a clearer picture of how the incident affects relationships, audience reactions, and the competition itself.
What do you think about Val Chmerkovskiy’s suspension and his upcoming return? Share your opinion in the comments and keep following the latest entertainment news for more updates.