Val Chmerkovskiy suspended for a week on «Dancing with the Stars»
18 october 2026 в 16:37
Professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy has been suspended from participating in «Dancing with the Stars» for one week following negative reactions to his social media post, reports People magazine. In the deleted post, Chmerkovskiy shared a photo of Will Smith hitting Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars after Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. He captioned the photo: «You almost saw the Prince of Bel-Air walk into the ballroom last night», - responding to judge Carrie Ann Inaba’s criticism of his wife Jenna Johnson and her partner Harry Shum Jr.
Chmerkovskiy acknowledged his mistake and the show’s decision regarding his temporary suspension in an Instagram Stories message. He stated that at the moment when his instinct was to defend his wife, he made the wrong choice by referencing the meme without considering what it might imply. He added that he did not want Inaba to be drawn into his poor decision and expressed a desire not to distract from the important week and work of his dance partner Jenna Dewan.
This is the first suspension in the history of «Dancing with the Stars». BBC Studios confirmed the suspension, noting that the well-being of all participants in the show is a paramount condition. The statement said that Chmerkovskiy’s post was inappropriate and did not align with the values of the show, which is why he will not participate in the next episode.
Chmerkovskiy also apologized to Inaba and noted that his words affect many beyond their internal «Dancing with the Stars» family. In his absence, Dewan will dance with Alan Bersten. Johnson commented on Inaba’s remarks, stating that she respects her as a judge and takes her criticism seriously.
Chmerkovskiy acknowledged his mistake and the show’s decision regarding his temporary suspension in an Instagram Stories message. He stated that at the moment when his instinct was to defend his wife, he made the wrong choice by referencing the meme without considering what it might imply. He added that he did not want Inaba to be drawn into his poor decision and expressed a desire not to distract from the important week and work of his dance partner Jenna Dewan.
This is the first suspension in the history of «Dancing with the Stars». BBC Studios confirmed the suspension, noting that the well-being of all participants in the show is a paramount condition. The statement said that Chmerkovskiy’s post was inappropriate and did not align with the values of the show, which is why he will not participate in the next episode.
Chmerkovskiy also apologized to Inaba and noted that his words affect many beyond their internal «Dancing with the Stars» family. In his absence, Dewan will dance with Alan Bersten. Johnson commented on Inaba’s remarks, stating that she respects her as a judge and takes her criticism seriously.
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
