Dewan and Chmerkovskiy Address DWTS Season 35 Casting Controversy

Key points

• Season 35 cast was revealed on September 2, 2026, with the premiere scheduled for September 15 on ABC and Disney+.
• Dewan, a former backup dancer for Janet Jackson and star of 'Step Up,' was paired with pro Val Chmerkovskiy, sparking fan backlash over her extensive dance background.
• Dewan stated in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that she does not know how to ballroom dance, describing it as a 'new technique' that requires unlearning previous habits.
• Chmerkovskiy defended the pairing, noting that the show focuses on the human experience and that high talent brings high expectations.
• Other cast members with dance experience, including Harry Shum Jr., Julia Stiles, and Jackson Olson, also faced scrutiny regarding their competitive advantages.

Background

Our earlier coverage from August 2026 noted that Dewan and Tyler Cameron were among the first confirmed contestants for Season 35, with the full lineup revealed on September 2. The season features returning pros like Witney Carson and Sharna Burgess, as well as new partnerships such as the same-sex pairing of Hailey Bills and Sarah Jane Nader.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and E! News highlight Dewan’s argument that ballroom is a 'different language' from her prior training, emphasizing the challenge of unlearning habits. The Independent focuses on the broader fan frustration regarding multiple cast members with prior dance experience, including Harry Shum Jr. and Julia Stiles. E! News also notes that pro Emma Slater dismissed the idea that Jackson Olson’s performance experience gives him an unfair advantage, while Chmerkovskiy emphasized that the fan vote serves as a 'great equalizer' in the competition.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights ongoing debates about fairness in reality television casting, particularly when contestants possess skills that overlap with the competition's core requirements. It also underscores the role of audience perception in shaping the narrative of reality shows before they even air.

What to watch

Season 35 of 'Dancing With the Stars' premieres on September 15, 2026, on ABC and Disney+. Viewers will soon see how the cast performs and whether the initial backlash translates into on-screen challenges or audience support.