DWTS’ Carrie Ann Inaba Didn’t File Complaint Over Val Chmerkovskiy Comment

Val Chmerkovskiy suspended from DWTS after TikTok post referencing Fresh Prince meme, not Carrie Ann Inaba’s complaint.

Oct 20, 2026

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DWTS’ Carrie Ann Inaba Didn’t File Complaint Over Val Chmerkovskiy Comment

Val Chmerkovskiy suspended from DWTS after TikTok post referencing Fresh Prince meme, not Carrie Ann Inaba’s complaint.

In brief

Val Chmerkovskiy suspended from DWTS after TikTok post referencing Fresh Prince meme, not Carrie Ann Inaba’s complaint. Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended from DWTS for a TikTok post referencing the 2022 Oscars Fresh Prince incident, not a complaint from judge Carrie Ann Inaba. Originally reported by E! Online.

Val Chmerkovskiy Suspension

Val Chmerkovskiy Suspension

Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended from DWTS after a TikTok post referencing the 2022 Oscars Fresh Prince incident.

“Val’s social media post was inappropriate and does not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected with the show.”

Why Suspension Happened

BBC Studios investigated Chmerkovskiy’s TikTok post that fans saw 'almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom' after Inaba criticized his wife Jenna Johnson’s performance.

“In a moment where my instinct was to defend my wife, I made a poor decision to reference a meme to 'keep my wife's name' out of the conversation.”

Chmerkovskiy’s Apology

Chmerkovskiy apologized publicly and privately to Inaba, saying he 'won’t be in the ballroom this week' and regretting his social media post.

“Carrie Ann certainly didn't deserve to get caught in the middle of my bad judgment, and I hate that she was.”

Inaba’s Role

Carrie Ann Inaba did not file an HR complaint about Chmerkovskiy’s post, contrary to earlier reports.

“Amid a report that his one-week suspension from the competition was the result of an hr complaint filed by judge carrie ann inaba”

BBC Studios Statement

BBC Studios stated Val’s social media post was inappropriate and did not reflect the show’s values, leading to his suspension.

“The well-being of everyone who works on dancing with the stars is non-negotiable”

Chmerkovskiy’s Regret

Chmerkovskiy expressed regret for sparking controversy and wanted to support Inaba and his dance partner Jenna Dewan during Dedication Night.

“Please send carrie ann, jenna, and the whole dwts family lots of love during dedication night”

Dedication Night

Chmerkovskiy promised to watch and cheer on Inaba and Dewan during Dedication Night, the show’s special event.

“I'll be watching and cheering everyone on!!”

Jenna Dewan’s Next Episode

Jenna Dewan will dance with Alan Bersten on the Oct. 20 episode after being paired with Chmerkovskiy.

“For the oct 20 episode, dewan will dance alongside alan bersten”

Chmerkovskiy’s Perspective

Chmerkovskiy admitted he made a poor decision referencing the Fresh Prince meme without considering its implications.

“I made a poor decision to reference a meme to 'keep my wife's name' out of the conversation, without stopping to think through what else that reference could imply”

Inaba’s Involvement

Carrie Ann Inaba was not involved in filing the complaint that led to Chmerkovskiy’s suspension.

“Amid a report that his one-week suspension from the competition was the result of an hr complaint filed by judge carrie ann inaba”

Suspension Timeline

Chmerkovskiy was suspended Oct. 17, three days after his TikTok post that referenced the 2022 Oscars Fresh Prince incident.

“The dance pro’s suspension was announced oct 17 three days after he wrote on tiktok in a since-deleted post”

2022 Oscars Reference

Chmerkovskiy referenced the 2022 Oscars when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock after walking on stage and shouting about his wife.

“Will smith shouted at host chris rock to 'keep my wife's name out of your f, king mouth' after walking on stage and slapping him”

The headline

Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended from DWTS for a TikTok post referencing the 2022 Oscars Fresh Prince incident, not a complaint from judge Carrie Ann Inaba.

Read the original on E! Online

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