Chmerkovskiy Returns to DWTS After One-Week Suspension

Val Chmerkovskiy returned to the Dancing With the Stars ballroom on Tuesday night. He missed the previous week's broadcast after the show suspended him over a social media comment. BBC Studios ruled his joke about co-judge Carrie Ann Inaba was inappropriate. The show is now airing the episode where he steps back onto the dance floor.

The conflict started on Oct. 13. Inaba criticized Chmerkovskiy's wife, Jenna Johnson, during a routine. Chmerkovskiy later posted to his TikTok story, reading, 'You almost saw Fresh Prime enter the ballroom last night.' The reference alluded to Will Smith's 2022 Oscar slap. The network viewed the post as a direct jab at Inaba and pulled the judge from competition duties for one week.

Chmerkovskiy did not address his absence during the prior episode. He spoke directly to the issue in a pre-dance package this week. He apologized to his partner, Jenna Dewan, for the disruption. '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 by saying she forgave him and missed him.

After the broadcast ended, cameras captured Chmerkovskiy and Inaba embracing. The footage circulated widely online. Chmerkovskiy told People that the conversation provided cathartic relief. He emphasized that Inaba should feel safe hearing directly from him. He stated he wants nothing but love for her and respects her opinions.

Inaba issued a statement on Instagram earlier in the day. She explained her silence was a professional courtesy to the remaining contestants. She noted that production standards keep judges and contestants separated. She felt public headlines missed key details of the situation.

Inaba said she and Johnson hugged after the Super Bowl show. She described Johnson as an absolute professional who handled the moment well. Inaba learned later that Johnson was deeply hurt. She offered to speak with Johnson at any time. She also suggested discussing the lift rule with the cast.

Inaba pointed to a video by Sharna Burgess that explains lifts and assists. She said creating a new lift rule for next season is important. She requested that dancers, judges, and the audience work toward a better shared understanding of the rules.