Val Chmerkovskiy and Carrie Ann Inaba reconcile at ‘DWTS’ after Will Smith slap reference row
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Carrie Ann Inaba and Val Chmerkovskiy appeared to put their recent ‘Dancing with the Stars’ controversy behind them after sharing a conversation and hug in the ballroom on Tuesday, October 27.
The interaction followed Chmerkovskiy’s one-week suspension over a social media comment defending his wife and fellow professional dancer Jenna Johnson after Inaba criticised Johnson’s performance with celebrity partner Harry Shum Jr.
Carrie Ann Inaba and Val Chmerkovskiy reconcile after ‘DWTS’ controversy
In a video obtained by PEOPLE, Inaba, 58, and Chmerkovskiy, 40, were seen chatting and hugging after the ABC competition’s latest episode.
During their conversation, Inaba appeared to acknowledge the attention surrounding them, saying, “So everyone’s staring. We are coworkers and we are completely cordial. We are good, okay?”
The crowd around them cheered in response. Speaking to PEOPLE, Chmerkovskiy described the conversation as bringing “cathartic relief.”
He explained that he wanted Inaba to feel safe and hear directly from him that he wished her well.
“I want nothing but joy for her and as much as the world might say otherwise, I want her to know how I feel, not how others want me to feel, but how I genuinely feel,” he said.
“I will have nothing but love for Carrie Ann. I have nothing but respect for what she has to say.”
The tension began after Inaba criticised Johnson and Harry Shum Jr’s samba during the October 13 episode, which was themed 'Super Bowl Night.'
Inaba called out an “illegal” lift, even reading its definition from a piece of paper. The exchange reportedly left Johnson in tears.
Chmerkovskiy subsequently posted a since-deleted TikTok comment stating, “You almost saw the Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night.”
The remark referenced Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars after the comedian joked about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Chmerkovskiy also responded to a TikTok video about Inaba’s criticism, writing, “Puts some respect on her name. Shes trippin talking to her like that.”
The comments upset ‘DWTS’ fans, prompting BBC Studios to suspend Chmerkovskiy for one episode.
The production company stated that the well-being of everyone working on the show was “non-negotiable” and described his social media post as inappropriate and inconsistent with the programme’s standards.
Chmerkovskiy later apologised to Inaba, describing his comment as a “poor decision.” He missed the October 20 'Dedication Night' episode before returning the following week.
Val Chmerkovskiy returns to ‘DWTS’ after suspension
Chmerkovskiy also addressed the controversy upon returning to the ballroom for Tuesday’s 'Horror Movie Night,' reuniting with his celebrity partner, Jenna Dewan.
“We are back together. I am so sorry for all the chaos. You did not sign up for that, and I feel awful,” he told Dewan in their introductory package, referring to his social media behaviour and subsequent suspension.
“I forgive you,” Dewan replied before embracing him. “I missed you.”
The pair performed an Argentine tango to a cover of ‘Uninvited’ by Damned Anthem and Kendra Dantes, inspired by the 2007 zombie film ‘28 Weeks Later’.
They received 37 out of 40 points from the judges, bringing their combined score with the previous week’s performance to 74 out of 80. During Chmerkovskiy’s absence, Dewan had danced with Alan Bersten on October 20.
Their Viennese waltz to ‘Unchained Melody’ by The Righteous Brothers earned 37 out of 40 points.
The emotional routine was dedicated to Dewan’s mother, Nancy, who joined them on the dance floor. Inaba described the performance as the actress’s “ultimate breakthrough.”
Chmerkovskiy’s suspension followed his attempts to defend Johnson after Inaba’s critique of her performance with Shum Jr.
While Inaba later confirmed that she and Johnson had worked through their disagreement, Chmerkovskiy’s social media comments prompted the production to take disciplinary action.
