The 'real test' Val Chmerkovskiy faces on DWTS after his controversial comments
The 'real test' Val Chmerkovskiy faces on DWTS after his controversial comments
Averee Nelson Tue, October 20, 2026 at 5:37 PM UTC
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Val Chmerkovskiy may face some obstacles in the DWTS competition after his suspension (Image: -)
Dancing With The Stars pro Val Chmerkovskiy faces a "real test" on the beloved competition show after he was suspended over controversial comments.
The ballroom of the ABC show may feel a bit different on "Dedication Night" on Tuesday, Oct. 20, as Chmerkovskiy is the first pro dancer to face a one-week suspension in DWTS history.
In an interview with The Daily Express US, a PR expert detailed the uncharted territory Chmerkovskiy and his celebrity partner Dewan may be entering in the competition as they rely on the public's vote to make it to week seven. It comes after DWTS' Carrie Ann Inaba's subtle clue before she scolded a pro after "liftgate."
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Chmerkovskiy's removal from this week's show leaves The Rookie actress temporarily partnered with pro Alan Bersten, who was eliminated with his celebrity partner, Giada De Laurentiis, during week 2 of the show on Sept. 22.
What 'test' does Val Chmerkovskiy face on DWTS?
Jenna Dewan will be dancing with another pro after Val Chmerkovskiy's suspension (Image: Getty Images)
Blair Huddy, the principal founder at Hudson Davis Communications, told The Daily Express US, that while "Overall, Val's apology was competent," he faces another test with the public.
On DWTS, the audience vote accounts for about 50% of the contestant's overall score, while the judges' score accounts for the other 50%. This places a lot of weight on DWTS fans' opinions, and controversy can shake things up.
"But the real test is tomorrow night's live show," Huddy said. "Live TV is unforgiving: viewers will be closely watching body language, any acknowledgment by Carrie Ann, and how she scores Jenna."
"If I were advising him, I'd tell him to let the dancing do the talking from now on, make one gracious gesture if it comes up naturally, and to not re-litigate the issue on air," Huddy added.
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What led to Val Chmerkovskiy's suspension on DWTS?
Val Chmerkovskiy is the first DWTS pro to be suspended from the show (Image: Getty Images)
The controversy escalated when Chmerkovskiy attempted to defend his wife, Jenna Johnson, after longtime judge Carrie Ann Inaba critiqued a lift move made by Chmerkovskiy's wife, Jenna Johnson, 32, who is currently partnered with Harry Shum Jr.
In a since-deleted post on social media, Chmerkovskiy wrote, "You almost saw the Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night."
His post seemed to reference the infamous moment during the 2022 Oscars when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock over a joke he made about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Chmerkovskiy's comment sparked backlash among some DWTS fans and ultimately led to his one-week suspension.
Chmerkovskiy apologized for the post on his Instagram Stories on Oct. 15, noting that he personally apologized to Inaba, and later confirmed his suspension in a statement.
How did Val Chmerkovskiy's apology fall short?
Huddy told The Daily Express US that overall, Chmerkovskiy's apology was "competent," noting, "From a PR perspective, Val got the timing and apology right."
A PR expert detailed where Val Chmerkovskiy's apology fell short (Image: Getty Images)
"Where I think his response fell short: He joked about a physical assault on someone doing her job," she added. "A stronger apology would have stated exactly why his reference was wrong in plain language, rather than leaving the public to assume."
"The more you give people room to make assumptions, the more they'll fill it in with the worst possible option. He also posted and deleted before apologizing," Huddy continued, noting the post deletion "reads poorly on his end; like hiding." She said she would have advised him to issue an apology before deleting the post.
Huddy also raised concerns about his apology being issues on his Instagram Stories, which disappear after 24 hours.
"His apology being put on a formal that lasts 24 hours rather than on the grid/feed can come off further like he's trying to hide it," Huddy said.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
