Val Chmerkovskiy is back in the ballroom — and the Dancing With the Stars pro says he wants “nothing but love” for judge Carrie Ann Inaba after his one-week suspension, closing the book on the saga that benched him from the competition.
Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Dewan (Credits: Variety)
Chmerkovskiy returned on Tuesday night’s Horror Movie Night episode, reuniting with celebrity partner Jenna Dewan after missing the previous week’s Dedication Night. His first order of business on camera was an apology to Dewan herself.
Val Chmerkovskiy Apologizes to Jenna Dewan on DWTS Return
“We are back together. I am so sorry for all the chaos. You did not sign up for that, and I feel awful,” Chmerkovskiy told Dewan in their rehearsal package. “I forgive you,” she replied, hugging him. “I missed you.”
The pair then performed an Argentine tango, and the thaw continued at the judges’ table. Inaba opened her critique by praising Chmerkovskiy’s “incredible choreography” before awarding the couple a nine out of ten — a clear sign the tension had eased.
Later in the episode, Chmerkovskiy and Inaba were seen embracing behind the judges’ table, with the pro appearing to say “I’m sorry” as Inaba accepted the apology.
Why Val Chmerkovskiy Was Suspended From DWTS
The controversy began on the October 13 episode, when Inaba criticised a lift in a samba performed by Chmerkovskiy’s wife, fellow pro Jenna Johnson, and her partner Harry Shum Jr. Chmerkovskiy then posted to his TikTok story: “You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night” — widely read as a reference to Will Smith’s infamous slap at the 2022 Oscars.
BBC Studios deemed the post “inappropriate,” and Chmerkovskiy was suspended for one week. In his absence, Dewan danced with fellow pro Alan Bersten on Dedication Night, while the show barely addressed the absence on air beyond co-host Alfonso Ribeiro noting that “Val is not with us this week.”
With the apology accepted, the hug shared, and a strong score on the board, the ballroom drama appears to be over — and Chmerkovskiy and Dewan can get back to dancing.
Also Read: Dancing With the Stars Recap: 2 Couples Are Sent Packing on Horror Movie Night | Carrie Ann Inaba Speaks Out After Val Chmerkovskiy DWTS Suspension, Calls for New Lift Rule Next Season
Source: Variety — read the full story there.
