DWTS Suspends Val Chmerkovskiy After Oscars Slap Reference, Bersten Steps In

Key points

• Chmerkovskiy posted a TikTok on October 14 referencing Will Smith's 2022 Oscars slap after judge Carrie Ann Inaba criticized his wife, Jenna Johnson, for an illegal lift.
• BBC Studios suspended Chmerkovskiy on October 17, stating his post was inappropriate and did not reflect the show's values.
• Alan Bersten, who was eliminated in Week 3, replaced Chmerkovskiy for the October 20 episode, where he danced with Jenna Dewan.
• Jenna Dewan publicly thanked Bersten for stepping in and performed a Viennese waltz in honor of her mother, Nancy Bursch.
• Chmerkovskiy issued a public apology, acknowledging his 'bad judgment' and expressing regret for involving Inaba in the controversy.

Background

This incident occurred during Season 35 of 'Dancing with the Stars,' following the elimination of fan-favorite Guillermo Rodriguez and pregnant pro Witney Carson on October 13. The show had already faced scrutiny over judging consistency, particularly regarding illegal lifts called by Carrie Ann Inaba.

How outlets are covering it

USA Today characterized the suspension as a 'surreal, unprecedented' disciplinary action, comparing it to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's decrees, and highlighted the broader tension between Inaba and the Chmerkovskiy family. TV Insider focused on Jenna Dewan's public response, noting her gratitude toward Bersten and her decision to honor her mother during the Dedication Night episode. Yahoo Entertainment and Yahoo News Singapore emphasized the logistical aspect of Bersten's replacement, while former pro Gleb Savchenko publicly questioned Bersten's technical ability on a TikTok livestream, calling him 'Team Val' and criticizing his credentials.

Why it matters

The suspension of a two-time Mirrorball Trophy champion highlights the strict standards enforced by BBC Studios regarding social media conduct and the potential for public disputes to disrupt the show's narrative. It also underscores the challenges faced by celebrity partners when their professional partners are involved in controversies, requiring quick substitutions to maintain the competition's schedule.

What to watch

Val Chmerkovskiy is expected to return to 'Dancing with the Stars' for the October 27 episode, assuming Jenna Dewan remains in the competition. The couple will likely face increased scrutiny from judges and viewers as they attempt to recover from the controversy.