DWTS judge and pro dancer reconcile after suspension over Instagram post
Val Chmerkovskiy returned to Dancing With the Stars after a one-week suspension for a controversial Instagram comment, reconciling with judge Carrie Ann Inaba following a dispute over a lift rule.
Professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy and judge Carrie Ann Inaba appeared to settle a recent disagreement on Tuesday's episode of Dancing With the Stars. The two were seen hugging after the show, and Chmerkovskiy described the moment as a relief.
The conflict began after Inaba questioned a lift performed by Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson during the Week 5 samba, stating that lifts are prohibited in traditional samba. Johnson responded that she believed the rule applied only to principal performers, not backup dancers.
Chmerkovskiy posted an Instagram message the next day that referenced a well-known pop-culture incident involving Will Smith, prompting BBC Studios to suspend him for one week. The production company said the post was “inappropriate” and did not reflect the show’s standards.
Alan Bersten was announced as Chmerkovskiy’s temporary replacement for Jenna Dewan’s partner in the following episode. Chmerkovskiy later issued an apology on Instagram, acknowledging that his comment was a poor decision and that he did not intend to cause offense.
Inaba responded in the comments of an Instagram post, noting that she and Johnson had spoken and resolved the issue, and she offered to discuss the lift rule further. She suggested that judges and dancers collaborate on clearer guidelines for future seasons.
Chmerkovskiy returned to the ballroom for Week 7, where he and Inaba exchanged words and embraced, indicating that the professional relationship had been restored.