# How ‘DWTS’ Addressed Val Chmerkovskiy’s Return to the Ballroom After His Suspension

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/how-dwts-addressed-val-chmerkovskiys-return-to-the-ballroom-after-his-suspension/
- Published: 2026-10-28T02:19:18+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-28T03:09:52+00:00
- Original publisher: The Hollywood Reporter
- Original article: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/dwts-carrie-ann-inaba-val-return-controversy-addressed-1236741213/
- Topics: Americas, Entertainment, Film, Horror, World

## Key points

- Chmerkovskiy returned after a one-week suspension.
- He apologised to partner Jenna Dewan on air.
- The pair survived the double elimination.

## Summary

Val Chmerkovskiy returned to *Dancing With the Stars* after a one-week suspension, following a social media reference to Will Smith’s Oscars confrontation while criticising judge Carrie Ann Inaba. The programme acknowledged his return in a pre-recorded segment with dance partner Jenna Dewan, but did not discuss the dispute further during the episode.

Chmerkovskiy apologised to Dewan for the disruption, and she said she forgave him. Inaba and Derek Hough praised his choreography after the pair performed an Argentine tango inspired by zombie films; they survived the double elimination and will compete next week. The dispute began after Inaba criticised a lift in pro dancer Britt Stewart’s routine with Harry Shum Jr.; Chmerkovskiy’s “Fresh Prince” remark prompted Inaba to respond online, and he later apologised.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.