Val Chmerkovskiy dismisses the whole Dancing With the Stars suspension drama as nothing but a minuscule tiff between family members. Like any tight-knit group spending grueling hours together under high-pressure studio lights, creative clashes and behind-the-scenes hiccups are bound to pop up from time to time. Following a brief and talked-about suspension that had fans whispering across social media, veteran pro Val Chmerkovskiy is setting the record straight. 

Downplaying any lingering tension, the dancer brushed off the drama with a simple, easygoing reminder that even the closest circles have their moments.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Val Chmerkovskiy admitted to feeling “overwhelmed with joy and love” upon returning to the Dancing With The Stars ballroom and joining partner Jenna Dewan. The pro dancer got suspended from the show and was forced to sit out the October 20 Dedication Night episode following an inappropriate Will Smith Oscar slap reference allegedly aimed at judge Carrie Ann Inaba. However, he is now shedding light on the whole misunderstanding.

“Families get into little fights and it’s not about getting into it. It’s about how you resolve it,” told Chmerkovskiy to the outlet.

He further confessed to Entertainment Tonight that he has nothing but love for Inaba despite what the world thinks. He thinks that the celebrity dancer has more than earned her voice and she is empowered enough to speak her mind. He just wishes that she feels the love and is happy in whatever she is doing.

Upon his return, the duo delivered a striking Argentine tango set to a moody rendition of 'Uninvited,' channeling the eerie, post-apocalyptic atmosphere of the 2007 horror cult classic 28 Weeks Later. The chilling routine struck a major chord with the judging panel, raking in an impressive 37 points out of a possible 40. Derek Hough handed down a glowing 10-point score, while Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and special guest judge Shirley Ballas each contributed solid 9s.

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The whole thing started when Chmerkovskiy tried to defend his wife’s honor but somehow forgot to choose the right words.

The trouble started during the October 13 Super Bowl Night episode when Jenna Johnson and her partner, Harry Shum Jr., performed a samba. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba praised the entertainment value but penalized the routine for an illegal lift, leading to an awkward exchange. The situation escalated the next day when Jenna's husband and fellow pro, Val Chmerkovskiy, rushed to her defense online, demanding respect for his wife and posting (then deleting) a TikTok quip referencing Will Smith’s infamous 2022 Oscars slap. 

Prompted by the inappropriate online threat, DWTS producer BBC Studios immediately benched the veteran pro. Chmerkovskiy quickly issued a public and private apology to Inaba, expressing deep regret for the volatile comparison. Fittingly for a season dominated by backstage drama and cinematic nods - much like a recent emotional tribute night that saw contestants honor Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger's iconic 10 Things I Hate About You chemistry - the ballroom has proven to be as unpredictable off the dance floor as it is under the spotlight.     

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What are your thoughts on this whole suspension drama? Do let us know.