“Dancing with the Stars”has a real off-stage plot twist this week. Val Chmerkovskiy is suspended from next week’s episode after posting a since-deleted comment that referenced Will Smith’s Oscars slap, aimed at judge Carrie Ann Inaba. The comment came after Inaba criticized his wife, fellow pro Jenna Johnson, on air. Sources say Inaba went to HR to complain, and producers at BBC Productions called the post inappropriate, stating that the well-being of everyone who works on the show is non-negotiable.
Chmerkovskiy issued a public apology and followed up with a second statement, saying he hates that Inaba was caught in the middle of his bad judgment. He also said he expects to return to the ballroom the following week. In the meantime, pro Alan Bersten will step in to dance with Chmerkovskiy’s partner, Jenna Dewan, on next week’s show.
It’s a rare public dust-up for a franchise that usually keeps its drama on the dance floor, and it raises real questions about where the line is between defending your spouse and crossing one at work. Was a suspension the right call, or an overreaction to a deleted post? Let us know in the comments.
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.