DWTS Suspends Val Chmerkovskiy After TikTok Post Echoes 2022 Oscar Slap
Val Chmerkovskiy has been suspended from 'Dancing With the Stars' for one week following a controversial TikTok post that referenced the 2022 Oscars incident. The suspension was announced by BBC Studios, citing staff well-being, while Chmerkovskiy apologized for his 'poor judgment.' His wife, Jenna Dewan, will continue competing with a new partner.
Key points
- BBC Studios suspended Val Chmerkovskiy for one week after he posted a TikTok referencing the 2022 Will Smith Oscar slap.
- The post was made after judge Carrie Ann Inaba criticized Chmerkovskiy's wife, Jenna Johnson, during the 'Super Bowl Night' episode.
- Chmerkovskiy apologized, stating his 'instinct was to defend my wife' but he made a 'poor decision' with the reference.
- Jenna Dewan will continue competing in the 'Dedication Night' episode with pro Alan Bersten, who was eliminated in Week 3.
- Inaba had previously posted on Instagram about the controversy before accepting Chmerkovskiy's apology.
Background
This incident follows a tense live critique during the 'Dancing With the Stars' 'Super Bowl Night' episode, where judge Carrie Ann Inaba questioned the legality of a lift performed by Jenna Johnson. Chmerkovskiy, a long-time pro on the show, reacted by posting a TikTok message that drew comparisons to Will Smith's 2022 Oscar slap. Previous coverage noted that Chmerkovskiy had already issued a public apology to Inaba before the formal suspension was announced.
How outlets are covering it
Deadline and Variety both report the suspension as a direct result of the 'inappropriate' TikTok post, with BBC Studios emphasizing staff well-being. Variety notes that Jenna Dewan is aware of the suspension and will continue competing, highlighting her professionalism. Deadline includes Chmerkovskiy's statement about his 'instinct to defend his wife,' while Variety focuses on the show's response and the substitution of Alan Bersten. Both outlets agree on the core facts but differ in emphasis: Deadline highlights the personal apology, while Variety focuses on the production's handling of the situation.
Why it matters
The suspension highlights the tension between personal reactions to on-air criticism and the professional standards expected of 'Dancing With the Stars' participants. It also underscores the show's commitment to maintaining a safe environment for its staff, as stated by BBC Studios. The incident may impact viewer perceptions of the judges and the show's handling of controversies.
What to watch
Val Chmerkovskiy is expected to return to the show after his one-week suspension. Jenna Dewan will compete in the 'Dedication Night' episode with Alan Bersten. The show will likely continue to monitor social media reactions and may issue further statements if the controversy persists.
- Val Chmerkovskiy Gets One-Week 'Dancing With The Stars' Suspension Deadline
- Val Chmerkovskiy Pulled from DWTS After Oscars Slap Comment, the First Pro Suspension in the Series’ History People.com
- Suspended! Val Chmerkovskiy OFF ‘DWTS’ a Week Over ‘Inappropriate’ Post Extra
- 'Dancing With the Stars' Pulls Val Chmerkovskiy After Carrie Ann Inaba Slap Joke Variety
- After Carrie Ann Inaba's Aggressive Comment About Lifts On DWTS, I Had To Know The Rules Yahoo
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