Val Chmerkovskiy returns to 'Dancing with the Stars' after one-week suspension
Professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy resumed rehearsals for 'Dancing with the Stars' after a week-long suspension tied to a controversial social-media post involving judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
Val Chmerkovskiy is back in the "Dancing with the Stars" ballroom, rejoining partner Jenna Dewan for rehearsals following a one-week suspension imposed by the show's producers. The suspension stemmed from a social-media post that referenced a meme about the 2022 Oscars incident, which judge Carrie Ann Inaba deemed inappropriate.
BBC Studios, the production company behind the series, said the well-being of staff is "non-negotiable" and that Chmerkovskiy's post did not align with the show's standards, leading to his removal from the next episode. Inaba later confirmed she had filed a complaint with human resources, stating she felt threatened by the post.
Chmerkovskiy issued a public apology, acknowledging that his attempt to defend his wife, Jenna Johnson, was a poor decision and that he did not intend to cause harm. He expressed regret for involving Inaba in the situation and emphasized his desire not to distract from the competition.
During the episode, hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough addressed the controversy on air. In Chmerkovskiy's absence, fellow professional Alan Bersten danced with Dewan, though he was eliminated in week two with partner Giada De Laurentiis. Dewan remains a strong contender, having led the leaderboard during the recent "Super Bowl Night" episode.