# DWTS Ignores Val Chmerkovskiy Suspension

> DWTS skipped explaining Val Chmerkovskiy's suspension, sparking fan frustration.
- Title: DWTS Ignores Val Chmerkovskiy Suspension · BuzzFeed | Shortify
- Summary: DWTS skipped explaining Val Chmerkovskiy's suspension, sparking fan frustration. Dancing With the Stars briefly acknowledged Val Chmerkovskiy's suspension…
- Keywords: dancing with the stars, val chmerkovskiy, suspension, jenna dewan, alan bersten, carrie ann inaba, fresh prince of bel-air, entertainment, culture, DWTS, Ignores, Val
- Source: BuzzFeed — https://buzzfeed.com/jamieko/dwts-val-chmerkovskiy-suspension-show-response
- Published: 2026-10-21T22:52:28+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: dancing with the stars, val chmerkovskiy, suspension, jenna dewan, alan bersten, carrie ann inaba, fresh prince of bel-air, entertainment, culture
## Val Chmerkovskiy suspended
Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended for one week after sharing a since-deleted social media post referencing Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.
## Show's brief acknowledgment
Co-host Alfonso Ribeiro announced Alan Bersten would partner with Jenna Dewan because Val Chmerkovskiy was absent this week.
## Fan reactions
Viewers criticized the show for not explaining Val's suspension, saying they should have directly addressed the issue.

> they could've easily just said 'because val is on suspension this week.' why just sugar coat it? let the people know!
## Jenna and Alan's performance
Jenna Dewan and Alan Bersten earned a 37 out of 40 score for their Viennese waltz with Carrie Ann Inaba giving them a perfect 10.
## Key takeaway

Dancing With the Stars briefly acknowledged Val Chmerkovskiy's suspension without details, leaving fans confused.