The Dancing With the Stars cast is reportedly keeping quiet amid a growing controversy surrounding professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy. An insider claims contestants and pros were warned against publicly discussing his suspension. The situation has reportedly created tension behind the scenes of the competition.
DWTS contestants and pros reportedly stay quiet as Val Chmerkovskiy suspension creates behind-the-scenes tension
According to a source cited by The U.S. Sun, the cast received specific instructions about the controversy.
“The cast has all been told not to post about this,” the insider claimed. The source also said cast members were warned against sharing jokes, memes, or directly mentioning those involved.
The insider suggested producers were struggling to manage the situation. “Producers are out of their depths trying to navigate this,” they explained. Contestants and professionals were reportedly told not to add to the drama.
The reported restrictions followed Chmerkovskiy’s suspension from DWTS. The professional dancer faced consequences after posting a since-deleted TikTok about judge Carrie Ann Inaba. His remarks came after she criticized his wife, Jenna Johnson, during a routine with actor Harry Shum Jr.
Chmerkovskiy wrote, “You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night.” Viewers interpreted the remark as a reference to Will Smith’s infamous Oscars slap against Chris Rock. The incident happened after Rock joked about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, in 2022.
BBC Studios later confirmed Chmerkovskiy’s suspension in a statement to Deadline. The company described his social media post as inappropriate and emphasized workplace well-being. It also confirmed that he would miss the following week’s show.
Chmerkovskiy later issued a public apology and acknowledged his poor judgment. He explained that he intended to defend his wife without considering the wider implications of the reference. He also expressed regret that Inaba became involved in the controversy.
Chmerkovskiy is expected to return for the October 27 episode, according to The U.S. Sun. Another professional dancer stepped in during his absence. Meanwhile, the reported silence surrounding the suspension has added to speculation about how the cast views the controversy.
