Val Chmerkovskiy Back in DWTS Ballroom

Val Chmerkovskiy returned to the 'Dancing With the Stars' ballroom on Tuesday after serving a one-week suspension. His absence ended a dispute that began earlier this month over a social media post.

BBC Studios suspended the pro dancer following a TikTok story he shared on October 14. The post read, 'You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night.' He wrote it after judge Carrie Ann Inaba critiqued his wife, Jenna Johnson, during the October 13 broadcast. Viewers interpreted the text as a reference to Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars. The production team labeled the joke inappropriate.

Chmerkovskiy did not appear on last week's show, but he addressed the gap in this week's pre-dance package. He apologized to his dance partner, Jenna Dewan, for the disruption. 'We are back together. I am so sorry for all the chaos. You did not sign up for that, and I feel awful,' he said. Dewan responded, 'I forgive you…I missed you.'

Following the broadcast, cameras captured Chmerkovskiy and Inaba embracing. The pro dancer described the exchange to People as a 'cathartic relief.' He stated that Inaba should feel safe and hear directly from him that he wants 'nothing but love' for her. 'I will have nothing but love for Carrie Ann,' he added. 'I have nothing but respect for what she has to say.'

Inaba posted a statement on Instagram before the episode aired. She explained that she remained quiet out of professional courtesy to competitors, noting that standards and practices keep the parties separated. She said headlines omitted key details about the situation. Inaba revealed that she and Johnson hugged after the Super Bowl show. She called Johnson an 'absolute professional' who worked through the moment. The judge said she later learned Johnson was deeply hurt and offered to discuss the lift rule at any time. She also pointed to a video by Sharna Burgess that explains lifts, assists, and which dances allow them.

Inaba suggested that a new lift rule be created for the next season. She stated that working with dancers, judges, and the audience toward a better shared understanding is important to her. She confirmed that she has requested this change.