New reports have become public following Val Chmerkovskiy’s suspension from Dancing With the Stars‘ highly anticipated Dedication Night. Apparently, Inaba felt threatened by the DWTS pro’s joke and went to BBC productions about it.
Carrie Ann Inaba Allegedly Went to Production Regarding Val Chmerkovskiy
On Monday, October 19, TMZ broke the news that Carrie Ann Inaba got heated over Val Chmerkovskiy’s comments. Apparently, due to her complaint, BBC, who produces the show, launched an investigation. None of TMZ’s sources confirmed that Inaba actually made these complaints.
According to the outlet, Chmerkovskiy was informed that the production had to adhere to guidelines and protocols while investigation was ongoing. He then was suspended for only one episode of the show. All of this drama began when Inaba critiqued Jenna Johnson’s samba with Harry Shum Jr. She explained that there was a lift in their routine and even went as far as explaining what a lift was.
On social media, Chmerkovskiy shared a post insinuating that he would follow in Will Smith’s footsteps in slapping someone that spoke poorly about his wife. This post has since expired, and Chmerkovskiy has since privately and publicly apologized to Inaba.
Alan Bersten Steps in For Chmerkovskiy
Jenna Dewan will not be at a disadvantage on Dedication Night. She instead will be paired with Alan Bersten, who’s been a professional dancer on the series since 2017. In case you missed it, Bersten was eliminated with Season 35 partner Giada De Laurentiis during Week 2 of the competition.
For the most part, there’s been support of Bersten stepping in for Chmerkovskiy. Chmerkovskiy is still choreographing this week’s dance, just will not be competing live in the ballroom. The only person who’s been extremely vocal about the replacement has been former pro, Gleb Savchenko, who was not asked to return to the ballroom this fall.
This week, Jenna Dewan and Alan Bersten will be dancing a Viennese Waltz to “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers. This dance will be dedicated to the celebrity’s mother, Nancy. Be sure to tune in at 8PM ET on Tuesday, October 20, so you don’t miss a minute of the competition.
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Corey Cesare Corey Cesare is Talent Recap's Managing Editor and featured YouTube Host. She has a love of all things pop culture and an unhealthy obsession with celebrities. Corey earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Cinema/Screen Studies from the State University of New York at Oswego in 2021. She spends her spare time shooting astro, nature, and portrait photography, and coming up with movie ideas that she hopes to make into a film someday.
