Val Chmerkovskiy and Carrie Ann Inaba appear ready to move forward after weeks of tension on Dancing With the Stars. The pair recently had a heartfelt conversation following Val’s brief suspension from the show. Their discussion ended with a hug, suggesting they had put their differences aside. Both stars have since shared their feelings about the reconciliation.
Carrie Ann and Val address their feud after his DWTS suspension
According to a video obtained by People, Carrie Ann spoke with Val after Tuesday’s episode. “So, everyone’s staring. We are coworkers, and we are completely cordial. We are good, OK?” she told him. The two then hugged, signaling an end to their disagreement. Val later described their conversation as bringing him “cathartic relief.”
Val also explained why he wanted to resolve the tension with Carrie Ann. “I think it was just really important for me to make sure that she feels safe and knows that, firsthand from me, I want nothing but love for her,” he said.
According to sources who spoke to TMZ, Val approached Carrie Ann to ensure they both felt comfortable moving forward. The sources described her response as gracious and said their conversation lifted spirits backstage.
The conflict began after Val posted a since-deleted TikTok comment referencing Will Smith’s infamous Oscars slap. “You almost saw the Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night,” he wrote after Carrie Ann criticized Jenna Johnson and Harry Shum Jr.’s performance.
Carrie Ann reportedly felt threatened by the remark and raised the matter with BBC Studios. Val later apologized for his comment.
Following an investigation, producers suspended Val for one episode. He returned to rehearsals last week after serving the suspension.
The conversation with Carrie Ann marked a positive turn after several tense weeks. Their embrace and subsequent comments suggest both stars are ready to move past the controversy and maintain a professional relationship on DWTS.
