Val Chmerkovskiy Returns to 'Dancing' After One-Week Suspension

Val Chmerkovskiy returned to the 'Dancing With the Stars' ballroom on Tuesday night, ending a one-week suspension that followed a public disagreement with judge Carrie Ann Inaba. The pair were seen embracing after the broadcast, a moment that quickly circulated on social media platforms.

The conflict originated on October 13, when Inaba critiqued the performance of Chmerkovskiy's wife, Jenna Johnson. Later that night, Chmerkovskiy posted a TikTok story that read, 'You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night.' The reference to the 2022 Oscars incident involving Will Smith led the show's producer, BBC Studios, to label the comment inappropriate. They subsequently pulled Chmerkovskiy from the competition.

During the previous week's broadcast, the show did not address his absence. On Tuesday, viewers watched a pre-dance package in which Chmerkovskiy apologized to his dance partner, Jenna Dewan. He stated, 'We are back together. I am so sorry for all the chaos. You did not sign up for that, and I feel awful.' Dewan responded by saying she forgave him and missed him.

Chmerkovskiy described the subsequent conversation with Inaba to People as a 'cathartic relief.' He emphasized that he wanted Inaba to feel safe and to hear directly from him that he holds nothing but love for her. 'I have nothing but respect for what she has to say,' he added.

Earlier that day, Inaba issued a long statement on Instagram. She explained that she remained silent initially out of professional courtesy to the other competing couples. She noted that the show's standards and practices keep the parties separated during such disputes. Inaba said she believed recent headlines had omitted key details of the situation.

In her statement, Inaba revealed that she and Johnson hugged after the Super Bowl show. She described Johnson as an absolute professional who worked through the moment with her. Inaba added that she learned Johnson was deeply hurt and offered to speak with her at any time. She also offered to discuss the enforcement of the lift rule, pointing to a video by Sharna Burgess that explains assists and lifts in different dance styles.

Inaba concluded her post by suggesting the creation of a new lift rule for the next season. She said she has requested this change and values working with dancers, judges, and the audience to reach a better shared understanding of the standards.