DWTS Suspends Val Chmerkovskiy for One Week After 'Fresh Prince' Reference
Val Chmerkovskiy has been suspended from 'Dancing With the Stars' for one week following a controversial social media post. The suspension was announced by producer BBC Studios, which cited staff well-being as the primary reason. Chmerkovskiy issued a public apology, acknowledging poor judgment, while his wife Jenna Dewan will continue competing with a new partner.
Key points
- BBC Studios suspended Val Chmerkovskiy for one week, stating his social media post was inappropriate and did not reflect the show's values.
- The suspension follows a deleted TikTok post by Chmerkovskiy referencing the 2022 Oscars slap incident, which was interpreted as a threat toward judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
- Chmerkovskiy apologized publicly, stating his instinct was to defend his wife but that he made a poor decision without considering the implications of the reference.
- Jenna Dewan will continue competing in the upcoming Dedication Night episode, paired with Alan Bersten, who was eliminated in week three.
- Carrie Ann Inaba responded to the controversy on Instagram, thanking media outlets for alerting her to the post before accepting Chmerkovskiy's apology.
Background
This incident occurred during the 'Super Bowl Night' episode of 'Dancing With the Stars,' where judge Carrie Ann Inaba criticized Jenna Dewan's performance for including a lift. Chmerkovskiy's subsequent social media post referenced Will Smith's 2022 Oscars slap of Chris Rock, leading to widespread criticism and the suspension. Previous archive coverage confirms the suspension and the apology, but this briefing synthesizes the latest details from multiple outlets.
How outlets are covering it
Page Six, Variety, and Deadline all report the suspension and the apology, but they emphasize different aspects. Page Six highlights the emotional impact on Inaba and the public apology. Variety focuses on the professional response from the show's producers and the continuation of Jenna Dewan's competition. Deadline provides a detailed account of the timeline and the specific wording of the apology, noting the 'poor decision' and 'bad judgment' language. All three outlets agree on the core facts but differ in their emphasis on the emotional versus professional aspects of the incident.
Why it matters
The suspension highlights the strict standards and consequences for social media conduct among 'Dancing With the Stars' participants. It also underscores the ongoing scrutiny and criticism faced by judges, particularly Carrie Ann Inaba, and the potential for public backlash from perceived threats or inappropriate references. The incident may impact the show's ratings and public perception, as well as the careers of those involved.
What to watch
Val Chmerkovskiy is expected to return to the show after the one-week suspension, assuming no further incidents. Jenna Dewan will continue competing with Alan Bersten in the upcoming Dedication Night episode. The show's producers may issue further statements or take additional actions to address the controversy and maintain the show's standards.
- Val Chmerkovskiy suspended from ‘Dancing With the Stars’ for one week due to controversial TikTok Page Six
- Val Chmerkovskiy Pulled from DWTS After Oscars Slap Comment, the First Pro Suspension in the Series’ History People.com
- Val Chmerkovskiy suspended from 'Dancing With the Stars' after social media post 10TV
- 'Dancing With the Stars' Pulls Val Chmerkovskiy After Carrie Ann Inaba Slap Joke Variety
- Val Chmerkovskiy Gets One-Week 'Dancing With The Stars' Suspension Deadline
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