DWTS Suspends Val Chmerkovskiy After Controversial Oscars Reference

Key points

• Chmerkovskiy was suspended for one week after posting a TikTok comment referencing the 2022 Will Smith Oscars incident.
• The post was made in response to judge Carrie Ann Inaba's criticism of his wife, Jenna Johnson.
• BBC Studios called the post inappropriate and stated that the well-being of everyone who works on the show is non-negotiable.
• Chmerkovskiy issued a public apology, acknowledging his poor judgment and expressing regret for involving Inaba.
• Jenna Dewan will compete with Alan Bersten for the upcoming Dedication Night episode.

Background

This incident follows a series of controversies involving Chmerkovskiy and the DWTS production team. In previous weeks, Chmerkovskiy had been criticized for his behavior on the show, and there had been rumors that he was close to being fired. The current suspension is the first in the show's history, and it has sparked a debate about the show's standards and the treatment of its dancers.

How outlets are covering it

ABC News and Variety both reported on the suspension, but they emphasized different aspects of the story. ABC News focused on the fact that Chmerkovskiy was suspended for one week, while Variety emphasized the fact that the post was inappropriate. TV Insider reported on the fact that Chmerkovskiy issued a public apology, and that Jenna Dewan will compete with Alan Bersten for the upcoming Dedication Night episode. The sources also disagreed on the exact wording of Chmerkovskiy's post, with some outlets reporting that he referenced the Will Smith Oscars incident, while others reported that he made a joke about Inaba.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of maintaining a professional and respectful environment on a reality TV show. It also raises questions about the show's standards and the treatment of its dancers. The suspension of Chmerkovskiy is a significant event in the history of the show, and it has sparked a debate about the show's values and the role of social media in the entertainment industry.

What to watch

The next episode of 'Dancing with the Stars' will air on Tuesday, October 20, and it will feature Jenna Dewan competing with Alan Bersten for the Dedication Night episode. It is unclear whether Chmerkovskiy will return to the show after his suspension, or whether he will be permanently benched. The show's producers have not made any announcements about his future on the show.