Val Chmerkovskiy suspended from Dancing With the Stars by BBC Studios
“You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night.” That sentence, posted by professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy on TikTok, set off a chain of events that culminated in his one-week suspension from ABC’s Dancing With the Stars, according to statements reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
The controversy emerged following the show’s Super Bowl Night episode during season 35. Chmerkovskiy used the social media post to reference Will Smith’s infamous slap of Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards while defending his wife and fellow pro, Jenna Johnson, against on-air critiques delivered by judge Carrie Ann Inaba. Inaba responded on Instagram by resharing a Page Six post featuring the remark alongside a split image of Smith and Chmerkovskiy.
Following an apology issued by Chmerkovskiy on Thursday, BBC Studios announced his suspension on Saturday. “The well-being of everyone who works on Dancing With the Stars is non-negotiable,” the production company said in a statement. “Val’s social media post was inappropriate and does not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected with the show. As a result, he will not participate in next week’s show.”
Dewan and Ali Earn High Scores on Dedication Night
While the ballroom dealt with the fallout of the suspension, Tuesday’s broadcast proceeded with Dedication Night, an installment dedicated to personal tributes. Jenna Dewan performed alongside formerly eliminated pro Alan Bersten, earning a score of 37 out of 40. BBC Studios indicated that Chmerkovskiy is expected to return for the subsequent Horror Movie-inspired episode.
Tatyana Ali honored her late Fresh Prince of Bel-Air co-star James Avery, performing alongside guest co-host Alfonso Ribeiro and earning a score of 32. Julia Stiles dedicated her routine to her 10 Things I Hate About You co-star Heath Ledger, securing a 36 with partner Ezra Sosa.
The complete leaderboard for the night, as reported from the ballroom by The Hollywood Reporter, shows Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov leading with a 38, while Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach matched Jenna Dewan and Alan Bersten at 37. Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson earned a 36, alongside Stiles and Sosa. Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas scored 35, while Jackson Olson and Emma Slater, Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess, and Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold each scored 32.
Kym Johnson-Herjavec Judges as Tyler Cameron Announces Baby
Former show professional Kym Johnson-Herjavec returned to the ballroom as a guest judge for the evening. Alongside the competition routines, the episode brought personal updates for the cast. Tyler Cameron announced during the broadcast that he and his fiancée, Tate Madden, are expecting their first child, a baby girl.
Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended from "Dancing With the Stars" for a week after making what the network called an "inappropriate" social media post. https://t.co/xvlZk3iPCz
No eliminations took place at the conclusion of Dedication Night. However, production confirmed that a double elimination will occur during the following episode of season 35.
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More on Val Chmerkovskiy
Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended from "Dancing With the Stars" for a week after making what the network called an "inappropriate" social media post. https://t.co/pyyOF8sJSM
Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended from "Dancing With the Stars" for a week after making what the network called an "inappropriate" social media post. https://t.co/PTrbuzfyno