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DWTS Pro Val Chmerkovskiy Benched Over Inaba Comments
18 Oct
Summary
- Val Chmerkovskiy removed from DWTS competition for one week.
- Jenna Dewan will dance with Alan Bersten in his absence.
- Steve Kazee publicly supports Dewan amid the controversy.
Val Chmerkovskiy, a professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars, has been removed from the competition for week 6. This unprecedented action follows his online comments directed at judge Carrie Ann Inaba, which generated significant backlash. For the first time in the show's history, an active pro dancer has been temporarily benched.
Jenna Dewan, Chmerkovskiy's celebrity partner, will perform with Alan Bersten, a recently eliminated pro, during the upcoming "Dedication Night" episode. Despite the on-air drama, Dewan has been steadfastly supported by her fiancé, actor Steve Kazee. He expressed his admiration for her grace and heart on social media, reassuring her of his backing.
Dewan has been managing a demanding schedule, balancing her role on the ABC police procedural The Rookie with her DWTS commitments since September. She joined The Rookie's cast in its third season as Bailey Nune. Kazee and Dewan, who met in 2012, went public with their relationship in 2018 and welcomed two children, Callum and Rhiannon.
New episodes of Dancing With the Stars season 35 air Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.
