A DWTS suspension has temporarily sidelined Val Chmerkovskiy after he shared a social media post referencing the infamous Oscars slap. The professional dancer made the comment while defending his wife, Jenna Johnson, following criticism from judge Carrie Ann Inaba. BBC Studios has now confirmed that Chmerkovskiy will miss one week of competition.
BBC Studios confirms Val Chmerkovskiy’s absence
According to Variety, BBC Studios confirmed that Val Chmerkovskiy will not participate in the next episode of Dancing With the Stars. The company called his social media post “inappropriate” and said it failed to meet the standards expected from people connected to the show.
The controversy began after Carrie Ann Inaba criticized Jenna Johnson and Harry Shum Jr.’s samba during the Oct. 13 episode. Inaba flagged what she considered an illegal lift. Johnson questioned the call before the judge explained the rule on air.
Chmerkovskiy later defended his wife online and wrote that viewers “almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom.” The reference appeared to invoke Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith.
Chmerkovskiy later apologized to Inaba over the Oscars slap reference. He admitted that he had made a poor decision while trying to defend Johnson and said he contacted Inaba privately to apologize.
BBC Studios later addressed the incident. “The well-being of everyone who works on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is non-negotiable,” the company said. It added that Chmerkovskiy’s post did not reflect the production’s values.
The DWTS suspension will also change Jenna Dewan’s plans for Dedication Night. Chmerkovskiy had been competing with the actress this season, but Alan Bersten will step in as her temporary partner. Dewan is set to perform a Viennese waltz dedicated to her mother.
People also reported that the decision marks the first time DWTS has suspended a professional dancer. Chmerkovskiy, meanwhile, said he plans to watch the upcoming episode and support Dewan and the rest of the cast from the sidelines.
