Val Chmerkovskiy Returns to DWTS After Suspension

Val Chmerkovskiy is set to return to the ballroom for Dancing With the Stars on October 27, rejoining the competition after a one-week suspension. His absence followed a social media comment that appeared to reference Will Smith's 2022 Oscars slap incident. This remark was made after judge Carrie Ann Inaba critiqued his wife, Jenna Johnson's, performance.

BBC Studios suspended Chmerkovskiy for the inappropriate comment, stating it did not align with the show's expected standards. Chmerkovskiy has since apologized privately to Inaba and issued a public statement explaining his intention was to defend his wife, not to cause offense. He expressed regret for any distraction his actions may have caused, particularly to his dance partner, Jenna Dewan.