"Dancing with the Stars" fans have been buzzing on social media over a dispute between one of the pro partners and one of the judges on the show.
Last week during "Super Bowl Night," judge Carrie Ann Inaba gave what some fans thought was a harsh critique to pro Jenna Johnson after her dance with her celebrity partner, "Grey's Anatomy" and "Glee" star Harry Shum Jr.
Johnson's husband and fellow pro Val Chmerkovskiy — who is dancing with "Step Up" and "The Rookie" actress Jenna Dewan this season — is now suspended from dancing on tonight's new episode following his response to Inaba's critique.
Here's how to watch "Dancing with the Stars: Dedication Night" tonight, the pro partner that will replace Chmerkovskiy and why he was suspended from dancing
this week.
Watch 'Dancing with the Stars' with the Disney Bundle
Why is Val suspended from 'DWTS'? What did Val say to Carrie Ann Inaba?
"Dancing with the Stars" pro Val Chmerkovskiy didn't make any comments directly to judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
He is suspended from dancing in tonight's episode after posting a controversial remark on social media, seemingly in reference to Inaba, that some believed was a callback to Will Smith's Oscars slap.
The comment followed a tense moment Inaba had with Chmerkovskiy's wife, fellow pro Jenna Johnson, on last week's episode.
After Johnson and Harry Shum Jr.'s dance last week, Inaba pointed out that their choreography included a lift, which was not permitted in the style of dance they performed. As the audience booed her critique, Johnson challenged it, asking her to point out the lift. Inaba pulled out a piece of paper with the definition of lifts printed on it and read it to the audience to prove her point.
"You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night," Chmerkovskiy posted to his Instagram status the next day, referencing Smith's character from the classic sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." At the 2022 Oscars, Smith slapped Rock after the comedian joked about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
After the post, "Dancing with the Stars" quickly suspended him from performing with celebrity partner Jenna Dewan this week.
"The well-being of everyone who works on Dancing With the Stars is non-negotiable," BBC Studios said in a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter. "Val’s social media post was inappropriate and does not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected with the show. As a result, he will not participate in next week’s show."
What time is 'Dancing with the Stars' on tonight? When, where to watch
"Dancing with the Stars" Season 35 kicked off with a two-night premiere that aired Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. ET. This week's episode, on Oct. 20, will mark the sixth week of the competition.
"DWTS" airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. New episodes stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
'Dancing with the Stars' theme tonight is 'Dedication Night'
Chmerkovskiy has since apologized for his comment. In his stead, eliminated pro dancer Alan Bersten will dance with Dewan tonight.
The Week 6 theme is the fan favorite "Dedication Night." Each celebrity will dedicate their performances to people and places that have impacted their lives.
Floridian "Bachelorette" alum Tyler Cameron, the only celeb from Florida this season, will be dedicating his dance to mothers. Cameron has been very open for the last six years about his grief following the loss of his mother, Andrea, to a brain aneurysm in 2020.
Here are all the dances tonight:
- Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas: Paso Doble to "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" By Dropkick Murphys, dedicated to Ireland.
- Jenna Dewan and Alan Bersten (sub): Viennese Waltz to "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers, dedicated to Jenna's mom, Nancy.
- Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov: Contemporary to "Breathe Me" by Sia, dedicated to Amber's sister, Brooke.
- Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa: Contemporary to "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" by Frankie Valli, dedicated to Heath Ledger.
- Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik: Viennese Waltz to "(You Don't Know) How Glad I Am" by Nancy Wilson, dedicated to James Avery.
- Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach: Contemporary to "Bloodline" by Mon Rovia, dedicated to Ezra's mom, Bahar.
- Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold: Viennese Waltz to "Piano Man" by Billy Joel, dedicated to Connor's dad, Pete.
- Jackson Olson and Emma Slater: Quickstep to "L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole, dedicated to Jackson's mom, Laura.
- Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson: Foxtrot to "Stop This Train" by John Mayer, dedicated to Harry's wife, Shelby.
- Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess: Contemporary to "Supermarket Flowers" by Ed Sheeran, dedicated to mothers.
See remaining themes on 'Dancing With The Stars' Season 35
Here are the remaining themes for each week of "Dancing with the Stars" Season 35:
- Week 6: "Dedication Night"
- Week 7: "Horror Movie Night"
- Week 8: "Disney Night"
- Week 9: "Grammy Night"
- Week 10: Semi-Finals
- Week 11: Finale
When is the 'Dancing with the Stars' finale?
Watch 'Dancing with the Stars' with the Disney Bundle
After tonight's "Dedication Night" episode, only four weeks remain until the finale. The "Dancing with the Stars" Season 35 finale airs Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2026.
Last year, Robert Irwin, wildlife conservationist and son of the late, great Steve Irwin, took home the Len Goodman Mirrorball trophy on the Season 34 live finale of "Dancing with the Stars," on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025.
Lianna Norman and Samantha Neely are trending reporters for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering pop culture, breaking news and more. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: ‘DWTS’ Pro Val Chmerkovskiy not dancing tonight. Here's why
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