Val Chmerkovskiy suspended from "Dancing With the Stars" after judge joke
BBC Studios announced that professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy will miss next week’s episode of "Dancing With the Stars" following a social-media post that referenced a meme about judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
"Dancing With the Stars" is benching Val Chmerkovskiy after his recent joke about judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
BBC Studios said in a statement on Saturday that the dancer’s social-media post was inappropriate and did not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected with the show, adding that he will not participate in next week’s episode.
"The well-being of everyone who works on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is non-negotiable. Val’s social media post was inappropriate and does not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected with the show," the studio said.
Chmerkovskiy posted an apology on Instagram, acknowledging that he referenced a meme without considering its implications and expressing regret for involving Inaba. He also said he would watch the upcoming Dedication Night and cheer on his partner Jenna Dewan.
The incident stemmed from a TikTok story posted after the Oct. 13 episode, in which a judge had critiqued Dewan’s lift and defined the move. Chmerkovskiy’s comment alluded to a 2022 Oscars incident and was later deleted after Inaba saw it and responded on Instagram.
Jenna Dewan will continue to perform during Dedication Week, paired with former contestant Alan Bersten, and will dance a Viennese waltz dedicated to her mother. A source told Variety that Dewan remains professional and is valued for the positivity she brings to the show.
In a separate interview, Inaba discussed past criticism and booing she has endured on the program, noting that negative comments have sometimes made her feel fearful during the competition.