Val Chmerkovskiy suspended from 'DWTS,' replacement revealed
USA Today • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended from the Oct. 20 episode of "Dancing with the Stars" after making an inappropriate social media reference comparing a conflict involving Carrie Ann Inaba to the 2022 Oscars slap incident between Will Smith and Chris Rock.
- Chmerkovskiy apologized publicly for the comment, expressing regret for his poor judgment and stating that Carrie Ann Inaba did not deserve to be caught in the middle of the situation.
- The suspension followed a tense exchange on the show where Inaba accused Chmerkovskiy's wife, Jenna Johnson, of performing an illegal lift during her routine.
- BBC Studios, the show's production company, emphasized that Val’s social media post was inappropriate and did not align with the show's values, prioritizing the well-being of everyone involved.
- Alan Bersten will temporarily replace Chmerkovskiy as Jenna Dewan’s dance partner for the Oct. 20 episode, which is themed Dedication Night.
