BBC Studios has suspended Val Chmerkovskiy from Dancing with the Stars for one week over a since-deleted TikTok post about judge Carrie Ann Inaba, the company announced on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The professional dancer will not take part in the October 20 "Dedication Night" episode of Season 35. It is the first pro-dancer suspension in the show's history, per People. The 40-year-old Ukrainian-born dancer has been a DWTS pro since Season 13 in 2011 and is a three-time mirrorball champion.
What Happened
The post in question appeared after the October 13 "Super Bowl Night" episode. In it, Chmerkovskiy wrote, "You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night." The line was widely read as a nod to Will Smith's infamous slap of Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.
The episode had seen judge Carrie Ann Inaba flag a rule-breaking lift in the samba performed by Chmerkovskiy's wife, fellow pro Jenna Johnson, and her celebrity partner Harry Shum Jr., danced to Usher's "Yeah!" Inaba read the definition of a lift aloud before awarding the couple an 8, and Chmerkovskiy was seen shaking his head in the background.
BBC Studios' Statement
BBC Studios said in a statement reported by TheWrap and USA Today:
"The well-being of everyone who works on 'Dancing with the Stars' is non-negotiable. Val's social media post was inappropriate and does not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected with the show. As a result, he will not participate in next week's show."
Val's Apology
Chmerkovskiy addressed the controversy on Instagram Stories on October 17, writing: "In a moment where my instinct was to defend my wife, I made a poor decision to reference a meme…" He added: "The last thing I want is to become a distraction from an important week or from the incredible work my dance partner Jenna Dewan is putting in."
What Happens Next: Dedication Night
Chmerkovskiy's Season 35 celebrity partner, Jenna Dewan, will dance the "Dedication Night" routine with Alan Bersten instead. Bersten was eliminated earlier this season alongside Giada De Laurentiis, and the routine is dedicated to Dewan's mother.
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Watch the Official Video
The official video above shows the samba by Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson at the center of the controversy. It is not footage of the suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Val Chmerkovskiy suspended?
BBC Studios suspended him for one week over a since-deleted TikTok post about judge Carrie Ann Inaba, which the company called inappropriate and below the standards expected of anyone connected with the show.
What did his TikTok post say?
"You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night" — a line widely interpreted as referencing Will Smith's 2022 Oscars slap, posted after Inaba flagged a lift in Jenna Johnson and Harry Shum Jr.'s samba.
Who will Jenna Dewan dance with on Dedication Night?
Alan Bersten, who was eliminated earlier this season alongside Giada De Laurentiis. Their routine is dedicated to Dewan's mother.
Is this the first pro-dancer suspension in DWTS history?
Yes — according to People, Chmerkovskiy's one-week suspension is the first time a DWTS professional dancer has been suspended.
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