Val Chmerkovskiy has been given a one-week suspension from Dancing with the Stars after a social media post appeared to reference Will Smith’s Oscars slap.
BBC Studios, which produces the programme, said the professional dancer would not take part in the next live episode on Tuesday October 20.
The controversy followed an exchange involving judge Carrie Ann Inaba and professional dancer Jenna Johnson, who is married to Chmerkovskiy. Inaba had criticised Johnson and her celebrity partner Harry Shum Jr for including a lift in their routine.
Chmerkovskiy subsequently posted: “You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night.” The comment was widely interpreted as a reference to Smith striking Chris Rock during the 2022 Oscars ceremony, and was later deleted.
After Inaba responded to a repost of the comment on Instagram by writing, “So this is what we’re doing now?”, Chmerkovskiy apologised following backlash from fans.
In a statement, BBC Studios said: “The well-being of everyone who works on Dancing with the Stars is non-negotiable. Val’s social media post was inappropriate and does not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected with the show. As a result, he will not participate in next week’s show.”
What happens to Val Chmerkovskiy’s partner?
Chmerkovskiy is partnered with The Rookie actress Jenna Dewan this season. Dewan will continue to compete in the October 20 episode, which is themed “Dedication Night”.
She will be temporarily partnered with Alan Bersten for a dance dedicated to her mother. Bersten was previously partnered with Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis this season, with the pair eliminated during week two.
Dancing with the Stars airs live on Tuesdays at 8pm ET on ABC and Disney+.
