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Slater Defends Bersten Amid DWTS Backlash
20 Oct
Summary
- Emma Slater defended Alan Bersten after he replaced Val Chmerkovskiy.
- Chmerkovskiy was suspended for one week due to social media comments.
- His comments were a reaction to a judge's critique of his wife's dance.

Emma Slater has publicly supported her boyfriend, Alan Bersten, following backlash concerning his role on Dancing with the Stars. Bersten was selected to replace Val Chmerkovskiy for a week after Chmerkovskiy received a suspension.
The suspension stemmed from social media remarks Chmerkovskiy made in response to a judge's critique of his wife's performance. This action by Chmerkovskiy led to his temporary removal from the show.
Slater responded to criticism on social media, stating that dancers often fill in for one another. She highlighted the supportive nature of the DWTS community, where participants step in to help when necessary.
Chmerkovskiy himself announced his absence, expressing a desire not to distract from the week's events or his partner's performance. He wished his colleagues well during "Dedication Night."