Dancer Chmerkovskiy Back on DWTS

Val Chmerkovskiy stepped back onto the polished floor for the horror-themed episode of Dancing With the Stars on Tuesday.

His appearance marked the end of a one-week penalty imposed after a viral exchange with judge Carrie Ann Inaba. The controversy started after the Super Bowl special, when Inaba critiqued a samba performed by Chmerkovskiy’s wife, pro dancer Johnson, and partner Harry Shum Jr. Inaba argued that Johnson needed more content in the routine, pointing specifically to a lift. When Johnson asked for clarification, Inaba read the official definition from a note: any movement where a dancer has both feet off the floor simultaneously with partner support.

The tension escalated the next day when Chmerkovskiy posted a TikTok Story referencing Will Smith’s 2022 Oscars moment. He wrote that viewers almost saw the Fresh Prince enter the ballroom, drawing a parallel to Smith’s slap. Inaba responded on Instagram that Thursday, questioning the timing with the phrase, So this is what we are doing now? Chmerkovskiy was absent from the previous week’s Dedication Night broadcast. Co-host Alfonso Ribeiro simply noted that Val was not with them, while a video package for partner Jenna Dewan thanked Alan Bersten for filling in without explaining the absence.

On Tuesday, the show addressed the return in a pretaped segment before the couple’s Argentine tango, a routine inspired by zombie films. Chmerkovskiy told Dewan that they were back together and apologized for the chaos, stating that she did not sign up for the drama. Dewan replied that she forgave him, and the pair shared a hug. The segment set the stage for their performance, which drew praise for its choreography.

During the critiques, Inaba and Derek Hough commended the routine. Inaba specifically called the choreography incredible before shifting her focus to Dewan’s execution. The broadcast did not revisit the suspension or the initial dispute. The couple survived the double elimination and will compete in the Disney-themed episode next week.

Following the broadcast, a video circulated showing Inaba and Chmerkovskiy embracing. The mirrorball champion told People that the conversation felt like cathartic relief. He emphasized that he wants Inaba to feel safe and that he holds nothing but respect for her opinions. Inaba later commented on an Instagram post, explaining that she had stayed quiet out of professional courtesy to active competitors.

She revealed that she and Dewan had hugged it out after the Super Bowl show. Inaba said she learned Dewan was deeply hurt and offered to discuss the lift rule and how it is enforced. She proposed creating a new lift rule for the upcoming season, suggesting a meeting between judges and pros to review safety and fairness. Inaba wrote that the show has evolved tremendously and that working toward better understanding among all parties remains important to her.