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Val Chmerkovskiy Ditches Cornrows After Fan Backlash
7 Oct
Summary
- Val Chmerkovskiy removed cornrows after fan accusations of appropriation.
- Mariah Carey Night was the focus of the DWTS episode.
- Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Dewan received their highest scores this season.
Val Chmerkovskiy has removed the cornrow hairstyle he showcased over the weekend, opting for his usual look during "Mariah Carey Night" on Dancing With the Stars. The pro dancer's previous decision to wear cornrows had drawn criticism from fans who suggested it was cultural appropriation.
Many viewers voiced their opinions on social media, questioning the connection between the hairstyle and the night's honoree, Mariah Carey, who is multiracial. Following the backlash, Chmerkovskiy appeared without the braids on Tuesday's episode.
He opened the show performing with fellow pros and later danced a rumba with celebrity partner Jenna Dewan to Carey's "My All." The performance earned them a score of 24 out of 30, their highest of the competition so far. Judges praised their vulnerability and improved performance.
