How 'DWTS' acknowledged Val Chmerkovskiy's suspension on 'Dedication Night'
Page Six • • entertainment
Key Points:
- "Dancing With the Stars" addressed Val Chmerkovskiy's suspension during Tuesday’s "Dedication Night" episode, noting that Alan Bersten temporarily replaced him as Jenna Dewan's partner.
- Chmerkovskiy was suspended for one week after posting a controversial social media reference to Will Smith’s Oscars slap, defending his wife Jenna Johnson against harsh criticism from judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
- The post was deemed inappropriate by producers, who emphasized the importance of maintaining the show's values and standards, leading to Chmerkovskiy's absence from the competition that week.
- Chmerkovskiy apologized publicly, acknowledging poor judgment and expressing regret for involving Inaba, while urging fans to support the "DWTS" family and his dance partner Dewan.
- Dewan and Bersten performed a Viennese waltz dedicated to her mother, receiving a score of 37/40, with the episode highlighting the emotional challenges faced by the contestants and crew.
