Val Chmerkovskiy's 1‑Week Suspension Ends With 37/40 Comeback

# Val Chmerkovskiy’s One-Week Suspension Ends With a 37/40 Comeback Performance Val Chmerkovskiy wasted no time apologizing as he re‑entered the “Dancing With the Stars” ballroom, reunited with Jenna Dewan for the “Horror Movie Night” episode that followed his brief, high‑profile suspension.

The veteran pro, who had been off the floor for a week after a social‑media misstep, confirmed that “we are back together” and expressed remorse for the “chaos” his actions caused.

In a heartfelt interview with Dewan—who had danced with partner Alan Bersten in his absence—he admitted the misjudgment and thanked her for the embrace that marked his return. The return was more than a formality.

It followed a week of heated exchanges between Chmerkovskiy, judge Carrie Ann Inaba, and his wife, fellow pro Jenna Johnson.

The controversy erupted when Chmerkovskiy posted a TikTok referencing Will Smith’s 2022 Oscars incident in an attempt to defend Johnson from Inaba’s critique of an “illegal” lift during a samba routine.

The post, which also responded to a viral video on the platform, sparked a broader conversation about the boundaries of social‑media commentary for show personalities and ultimately led to the one‑week ban.

The show’s producers and BBC Studios issued a statement underscoring the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all cast and crew. With the suspension lifted, the episode aired Tuesday night, featuring an Argentine tango to a cover of “Uninvited” by Damned Anthem and Kendra Dantes.

The routine, inspired by the 2007 zombie film “28 Weeks Later,” earned a 37/40 score from the judges. Combined with last week’s 37/40, the pair’s cumulative score reached 74/80, a solid return for the pair after a disrupted week.

Meanwhile, the show’s producers noted that the absence had not disrupted the production schedule, thanks to Bersten’s strong performance with Dewan on “Dedication Night,” a moment that the show described as an “ultimate breakthrough” for the “Step Up” actress. ## Background & Context Val Chmerkovskiy’s suspension was triggered by a series of posts on TikTok that drew on a highly publicized incident involving actor Will Smith and comedian Chris Rock.

The original post was a defense of Johnson, who had faced criticism from judge Carrie Ann Inaba over a lift she performed with partner Harry Shum Jr. The lift was labeled “illegal” by Inaba, who even cited a definition from a paper in her commentary.

In response, Chmerkovskiy shared a video that compared the situation to the 2022 Oscars incident, calling it a “Fresh Prince” moment and asserting that Inaba was “trippin’ talking to her like that.” The post, which referenced the “Fresh Prince” nickname that Smith had earned early in his career, was seen by many as a provocative dig at Inaba’s critique.

In the weeks that followed, the show’s production team stepped in.

BBC Studios released a statement emphasizing that the “well‑being of everyone who works on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is non‑negotiable.” The statement clarified that Chmerkovskiy’s social‑media post did not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected with the show and that he would not participate in the following episode.

The decision was part of a broader effort to keep the focus on the competition and protect the integrity of the judging process. Chmerkovskiy himself apologized in a public statement, acknowledging that he had made a poor decision to reference a meme without fully considering the implications.

The episode that featured the suspension also highlighted the dynamics between the judges and the pro dancers.

Judge Inaba had taken a more reserved stance during the “Dedication Night” episode, opting not to comment on the controversy out of professional courtesy for competitors still vying for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.

Instead, she later posted a brief note on Instagram expressing confusion and urging respect.

Meanwhile, Johnson and Inaba reportedly “hugged it out,” signaling a personal resolution that underscored the emotional toll the incident had taken on both women. ## What People Are Saying Fans of the show and followers of Chmerkovskiy’s career reacted with a mixture of support and criticism.

Some applauded the pro’s candid apology and his willingness to accept the consequences of his online behavior. Others felt that the one‑week suspension was insufficient given the potential impact on the show’s reputation.

Social‑media commentary was split, with many viewers calling for stricter boundaries for cast members, while others defended the dancer’s right to express himself. The response from the judging panel was measured.

Inaba, who had been at the center of the dispute, refrained from making any public statements about the incident until the episode aired. Her comments during the “Horror Movie Night” performance were limited to her usual praise for the couples’ execution, emphasizing the technical difficulty of the Argentine tango.

Her silence was interpreted by some as a deliberate choice to avoid inflaming an already tense situation, while others saw it as an opportunity for the show to maintain a professional tone. The audience’s reaction to the 37/40 score was largely positive.

Viewers appreciated the strong return to form by Chmerkovskiy and Dewan, noting that their chemistry was evident even after the interruption.

Social media buzz centered on the couple’s “ultimate breakthrough” performance, which many fans felt validated the effort it takes for a pro to recover from a public misstep and re‑establish trust with their partner and the audience.

The combined score of 74/80 was seen by many as a solid baseline from which the duo could rebuild their standing in the competition. ## What Happens Next With the suspension lifted, Chmerkovskiy and Dewan are poised to continue competing in the “Dancing With the Stars” season.

The show will air new episodes every Tuesday night at 8 p.m. Eastern, with streaming on Disney+ and the next day on Hulu.

Chmerkovskiy’s next performance will be part of the “Horror Movie Night” storyline, which remains a favorite among viewers for its thematic choreography and dramatic flair. Behind the scenes, the production team is working to ensure that the environment remains safe and respectful for all participants.

The producers have reiterated that any future incidents will be handled with the same level of seriousness. Chmerkovskiy’s apology appears to have restored a working relationship with his judges, but the conversation about appropriate online conduct for public figures continues to resonate beyond the ballroom.

In the weeks ahead, both Chmerkovskiy and Johnson will focus on their routines, while the rest of the cast will prepare for the upcoming “Halloween” themed episode. The competition’s narrative arc remains tight, and the stakes are higher than ever as the show inches toward its finale.

For viewers, the return of a high‑profile pro like Chmerkovskiy adds a new layer of intrigue, especially as the drama off the floor informs the on‑floor performances.

The season’s trajectory will be shaped by how well each couple can navigate both the technical demands of the choreography and the interpersonal dynamics that arise in a high‑pressure, televised environment.

For Chmerkovskiy, the next few weeks will be a proving ground—an opportunity to demonstrate growth, resilience, and the capacity to move past a public misstep. Fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on his progress, watching for the next moment that could define his season.

In the end, the show’s ability to blend dance, drama, and personal growth will continue to captivate audiences, underscoring why “Dancing With the Stars” remains a cultural touchstone for viewers who enjoy seeing both triumphs and tribulations unfold on the glittering stage.