Culture 3 min read By Morgan Griffin
Dancing With the Stars Pulls Val Chmerkovskiy for One Week Over Inaba Slap Joke
Val Chmerkovskiy has been suspended for one week from Dancing With the Stars after a TikTok post that appeared to joke about slapping judge Carrie Ann Inaba, with producer BBC Studios calling the post inappropriate and stressing staff well-being is non-negotiable.
Val Chmerkovskiy has been benched from «Dancing With the Stars» for one week after a social media post that appeared to joke about slapping judge Carrie Ann Inaba. Producer BBC Studios announced the suspension, saying the post was inappropriate and did not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected with the show.
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.» The suspension removes the longtime pro dancer from the competition for a single week, though the statement did not detail further consequences.
The controversy centers on a TikTok message that seemed to reference Will Smith’s 2022 Oscar-night slap of Chris Rock. The post was widely interpreted as invoking that incident in connection with Inaba, a judge on the ABC dance competition. The reference drew swift condemnation, and the producer moved to distance the show from the post.
Chmerkovskiy is a familiar face to the show’s audience, having been part of the professional roster for many seasons. His removal, even temporarily, marks a rare disciplinary action against a prominent cast member and underscores how seriously the production is treating the incident. The show has not indicated whether he will return after the one-week suspension or whether additional measures are being considered.
The decision also highlights the growing scrutiny of performers’ social media activity, particularly when it touches on sensitive subjects like violence. By framing the issue around staff well-being, BBC Studios placed the concerns of the show’s crew and judges at the center of its response, signaling that off-screen conduct is subject to the same standards as on-screen behavior.
Representatives for Chmerkovskiy and Inaba have not publicly commented beyond the producer’s statement. The suspension takes effect immediately, and the show is expected to proceed without him for the coming week’s episode. Fans have reacted with a mix of surprise and debate over the severity of the penalty, but the production has not wavered from its position that the post crossed a line.
The incident arrives as «Dancing With the Stars» continues its latest season, with the judging panel and professional dancers under close watch. For now, Chmerkovskiy’s absence will be felt on the dance floor, and the show’s message is clear: the well-being of its staff is not up for negotiation.
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