Val Chmerkovskiy Returns After One-Week Suspension, Embraces Inaba

By Marcus Bennett

Val Chmerkovskiy served a one-week suspension from Dancing With the Stars after BBC Studios deemed his TikTok story about judge Carrie Ann Inaba inappropriate. He returned to the ballroom on Tuesday night and reconciled with Inaba after they spoke.

The suspension followed the Oct. 13 episode, when Inaba critiqued Chmerkovskiy's wife and professional partner, Jenna Dewan. Chmerkovskiy posted to his TikTok story: "You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night." People reported that the post was interpreted as a reference to Will Smith's slap at the 2022 Oscars. BBC Studios called it "inappropriate."

People reported that the show did not mention Chmerkovskiy's absence during the previous week's episode. On his return, a pre-dance package showed him apologizing to Dewan. "We are back together. I am so sorry for all the chaos. You did not sign up for that, and I feel awful," he said. Dewan replied: "I forgive you…I missed you."

People reported that footage shared across social media captured Chmerkovskiy and Inaba embracing after Tuesday's show. Chmerkovskiy told People that the conversation brought relief. "It felt [like] cathartic relief, you know?" he said.

He added: "I think it was just really important for me to make sure that she feels safe and knows that, firsthand from me, I want nothing but love for her."

He continued: "I want nothing but joy for her and as much as the world might say otherwise, I want her to know how I feel, not how others want me to feel, but how I genuinely feel. I will have nothing but love for Carrie Ann. I have nothing but respect for what she has to say."

Earlier on Tuesday, Inaba posted a lengthy statement on Instagram. She began: "I have not spoken about what happened because of professional courtesy for those who are still competing, and we actually have standards and practices that keep us separated."

Inaba said the coverage had missed important details. "But I think a part of this ‘headline’ has missed a few important parts of what happened," she continued.

She continued: "I think it’s important for everyone to know that Jenna and I hugged it out after the Super Bowl show. Jenna was an absolute professional about it, and two women worked through the moment."

She added that she learned later that Dewan was deeply hurt. "It came to my attention later that Jenna was deeply hurt. So I also offered to speak with her at any time."

She also said: "I have also offered to discuss the lift rule and how I enforce it. @sharnaburgess made a great video explaining lifts, assists and which dances allow and don’t allow them."

Her conclusion addressed the judging process. "I think in the future, a new lift rule should be created for next season. Working together to create a better understanding between the dancers and the judges and our audience is important to me, as we move forward and is something I have asked for."

What changes for dancers and judges?

The immediate development is Chmerkovskiy's return to the competition and his reconciliation with Inaba. The proposal targets next season rather than the current competition: Inaba wants a new lift rule and clearer understanding among dancers, judges and the audience.

Inaba's statement treats the personal conflict and the lift rule as separate problems. The first brought Chmerkovskiy and Inaba back together. The second remains a proposal for next season.

Next season will test whether Inaba's proposed rule can give dancers, judges and the audience shared guidance before a technical dispute becomes a public disagreement.