Val Chmerkovskiy was not present during the October 20 episode of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ following his suspension. This marked the first time a contestant was suspended in the show’s history. Co-host Alfonso Ribeiro briefly addressed Chmerkovskiy’s absence at the start of the live show, mentioning that Alan Bersten would be partnering with Jenna Dewan for the performances.
Reason for Suspension
Chmerkovskiy’s suspension resulted from a social media post he made that referenced the infamous moment during the 2022 Oscars when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock. The post, which Chmerkovskiy described as a poor decision, was directed at judge Carrie Ann Inaba after she critiqued his wife Jenna Johnson’s performance on the previous episode. He acknowledged that his choice of words was a mistake and expressed regret for putting Inaba in a difficult position.
Co-Host and Partner Reactions
Ribeiro’s mention of Chmerkovskiy’s absence on the show was straightforward but did not delve into the details surrounding the suspension. Bersten expressed gratitude for the opportunity to step in, emphasizing the honor of dancing with Dewan during such an important night dedicated to her mother. Dewan, in her own social media posts leading up to the show, acknowledged Bersten’s support while focusing on the emotional significance of her performance.
Chmerkovskiy’s Apology
Chmerkovskiy issued public apologies both to Inaba and the wider DWTS audience after facing backlash for his comments. His initial post was intended to be a defense of his wife but ended up being perceived as inappropriate. He reiterated that he never meant to distract from the event or disrespect anyone involved and expressed his commitment to doing better in the future.
Future of DWTS Cast and Episodes
As of now, Chmerkovskiy is expected to return for the episode scheduled for October 27, contingent on whether Dewan remains in the competition. His temporary absence was a notable moment in this season’s storyline, drawing attention to the importance of accountability among contestants and their conduct on social media. The production company, BBC Studios, made it clear that the well-being of all involved with ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is a top priority and that the standards of behavior accepted in the show are non-negotiable.
