Following a one-week disciplinary suspension over a social media post, professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy returned to the Dancing with the Stars
ballroom on October 27, 2026, reuniting with partner Jenna Dewan for Horror Movie Night as judge Carrie Ann Inaba called for a new lift rule.
Val Chmerkovskiy returns to the ballroom after a one-week suspension
After sitting out the October 20 Dedication Night episode, professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy returned to the ballroom Tuesday, rejoining celebrity partner Jenna Dewan for the ABC competition’s Horror Movie Night. Chmerkovskiy, 40, had been benched following a controversial social media post directed at judge Carrie Ann Inaba that appeared to reference Will Smith’s Oscars altercation with Chris Rock in 2022.
In their introductory package before performing, Chmerkovskiy addressed the disruption directly with Dewan. I am so sorry for all the chaos, you did not sign out for that and I feel awful,
he told her. Dewan accepted the apology with a hug, telling him she missed him before the pair focused on their routine, an Argentine Tango inspired by zombie films.
In a moment where my instinct was to defend my wife, I made a poor decision to reference a meme to ‘keep my wife’s name’ out of the conversation, without stopping to think through what else that reference could imply, which was genuinely never my intention.
Val Chmerkovskiy, Professional Dancer
The post in question appeared on Instagram Stories before being deleted. BBC Studios subsequently announced his suspension, stating that the well-being of everyone who works on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is non-negotiable
and that his remarks did not reflect the values expected by the show. During his one-week absence, Dewan was partnered with Alan Bersten for a Viennese waltz.
Carrie Ann Inaba breaks her silence and proposes a new lift rule
The controversy traces back to an October 13 episode when Inaba penalized a samba performed by Chmerkovskiy’s wife, fellow pro Jenna Johnson, and her partner Harry Shum Jr. for containing an illegal lift. Inaba, who has long enforced the show’s strict regulations regarding lifts, read the definition on air and docked the pair a point.
Following weeks of public scrutiny and studio tension, Inaba addressed the situation in an Instagram comment, explaining why she had remained quiet while the competition was active. I have not spoken about what happened because of professional courtesy for those who are still competing, and we actually have standards and practices that keep us separated,
she wrote. She added that she and Johnson had spoken and hugged it out after the Super Bowl show, though she later learned Johnson was deeply hurt by the exchange.
Inaba also proposed structural changes for future seasons to bridge the gap between judges, dancers, and viewers. She suggested holding a session with all dancers and judges to discuss the history and safety purpose of the lift rule originally defined by Len Goodman and early producers. The show has evolved tremendously, the way the show is cast has also changed, and so has our audience and the way they consume the show,
Inaba stated. In her message, she noted that she offered to speak with Johnson at any time and mentioned that Sharna Burgess made a great video explaining lifts, assists, and which dances allow them.
Dewan earns high scores for Viennese waltz
Last week, Dewan danced alongside Alan Bersten for a Viennese waltz to Unchained Melody
by The Righteous Brothers, dedicating the performance to her mother, Nancy, and earning a 37 out of 40.
Inaba offered direct praise upon completion of the routine. Incredible choreography, Val,
she said, before awarding the pair a 9 and telling them the dance as a whole was perfection. Chmerkovskiy accepted the compliment with a smile, bringing an end to a turbulent week in the ballroom.
New episodes of the competition broadcast live on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Eastern on ABC and Disney+, with streaming available the following day on Hulu.
Want to see a powerhouse Tango? Call Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy 😎 #DWTS pic.twitter.com/OtmlDBMVK4
— https://x.com/officialdwts/status/2100402185238405311