Val Chmerkovskiy Returns to DWTS Season 35 After One-Episode Suspension

Val Chmerkovskiy has rejoined the cast of Dancing With the Stars for its 35th season after serving a one-episode suspension tied to a social-media post that alluded to the 2022 Oscars incident involving Will Smith. The dancer returned to rehearsals in time for the upcoming horror-themed episode and will finish the season partnered with actress Jenna Dewan.

During the episode titled Dedication Night, co-host Alfonso Ribeiro noted Chmerkovskiy’s absence, and Dewan performed a Viennese waltz with fellow pro Alan Bersten, earning a score of 37 out of 40. The show’s producers did not comment on the matter when contacted.

BBC Studios, which produces the series, issued a statement saying the dancer’s post was “inappropriate” and did not align with the program’s standards, leading to his temporary removal from the broadcast.

The controversy stemmed from a TikTok Story in which Chmerkovskiy wrote, “You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night,” referencing the slap incident while defending his wife, professional dancer Jenna Johnson, after judge Carrie Ann Inaba’s critique. Inaba later responded on Instagram, resharing a screenshot of the comment.

Chmerkovskiy subsequently apologized publicly, stating, "I want to apologize from the bottom of my heart for my recent post. I have reached out to Carrie Ann to apologize directly and personally, and I also want to apologize publicly as I understand my words affect so many outside of our internal DWTS family. I should have never made the reference that I did and I deeply regret it."

He also explained his decision in a personal statement, acknowledging that his attempt to defend his wife led to a poor judgment call that unintentionally involved the judge.