Val Chmerkovskiy apologizes to Carrie Ann Inaba after controversial comment on Dancing With the Stars
A source says Val Chmerkovskiy avoided dismissal from Dancing With the Stars by apologizing to Carrie Ann Inaba for a remark that sparked criticism.
Val Chmerkovskiy, a professional dancer on "Dancing With the Stars," reportedly faced possible termination after making a comment that referenced an internet meme during a dispute involving his wife, Jenna Johnson. According to a source, producers advised him to apologize to co-host Carrie Ann Inaba to mitigate the situation.
The source said Chmerkovskiy initially defended his joke but later issued an apology after the reaction grew. Inaba, who had previously criticized Johnson for a rule-breaking lift, expressed discomfort with the remark and said it complicated her ability to move forward.
Chmerkovskiy’s statement acknowledged the misstep, saying his instinct to protect his wife led to a poor decision and that he did not intend to cause offense. He added that he hopes not to distract from the competition and sent well-wishes to Inaba, Johnson and the show's participants for the upcoming Dedication Night.