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DWTS Pro Suspended Over Oscars Slap Comment
19 Oct
Summary
- Val Chmerkovskiy suspended for controversial comment about judge.
- Jenna Dewan dances with temporary partner Alan Bersten.
- Suspension marks first official dancer suspension in show history.
Professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy will miss "Dancing with the Stars" Dedication Night on Oct. 20 due to a controversial social media comment. This marks the first official suspension of a pro dancer in the show's 21-year history. Chmerkovskiy's remark on TikTok, reportedly referencing Will Smith's 2022 Oscars slap, was made after judge Carrie Ann Inaba critiqued his wife, Jenna Johnson.
Chmerkovskiy has since apologized directly to Inaba and publicly for his "careless post." He stated he did not want his "bad judgement" to overshadow the show or his dance partner, Jenna Dewan. Dewan will perform her Viennese waltz dedicated to her mother with temporary partner Alan Bersten. The well-being of show personnel is paramount, with producers emphasizing that Chmerkovskiy's comment did not reflect the show's standards.
