DWTS Pro Returns After TikTok Joke Sparked Suspension

A viral TikTok post cost professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy a week of competition on Dancing With the Stars, but the star returned to the studio floor on Tuesday night. His absence marked the first time the show suspended a pro for social media conduct rather than on-stage performance.

The incident started on Oct. 13, when judge Carrie Ann Inaba critiqued Chmerkovskiy's wife, Jenna Johnson, during the broadcast. In response, Chmerkovskiy posted a story on TikTok that read, "You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night." The caption referenced Will Smith's slap of Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards. BBC Studios, the show's production company, ruled the joke inappropriate and removed him from the following week's episode.

The suspension was not mentioned during last week's broadcast. This week, the tension surfaced in the pre-dance segment. Chmerkovskiy addressed his partner, actress Jenna Dewan, directly. "We are back together. I am so sorry for all the chaos. You did not sign up for that, and I feel awful," he said. Dewan responded, "I forgive you…I missed you."

The public reconciliation extended to Inaba. After the performance, cameras captured the two hugging, a moment that quickly circulated on social media platforms. Chmerkovskiy told People magazine the conversation provided "cathartic relief." He explained that it was vital for Inaba to hear from him that he wants "nothing but love" for her. He added, "I will have nothing but love for Carrie Ann. I have nothing but respect for what she has to say."

Inaba shared a detailed statement on Instagram earlier in the day. She explained her silence was a matter of professional courtesy to the remaining contestants, noting that network standards keep the judging panel separate from the competition. She felt recent headlines had omitted key context.

Inaba confirmed she and Johnson spoke privately after the Super Bowl show. She described Johnson as an absolute professional who worked through the moment with her. Inaba said she later learned Johnson was deeply hurt and offered to talk at any time. She also offered to discuss the lift rule and how she enforces it, pointing to a video by Sharna Burgess that clarifies which dances allow lifts and assists.

Inaba closed her statement by suggesting the creation of a new lift rule for the next season. She said working with dancers, judges, and the audience toward a better shared understanding is something she has requested.