DWTS Bombshell: Val Chmerkovskiy Gets 1-Week Suspension Over Will Smith Slap Joke—What Happens Next?

Val Chmerkovskiy’s roller-coaster ride on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) Season 35 keeps heating up. Days after issuing a public apology to judge Carrie Ann Inaba for an Instagram post that referenced the Will Smith Oscars slap—a remark that many fans felt crossed the line—Chmerkovskiy is shifting focus back to the ballroom with celebrity partner Jenna Dewan as they prepare for Week 5’s “Yacht Rock” theme. Season 35 has been intense from the start. Despite solid footwork and crowd-pleasing choreography, Val and Jenna landed mid-pack scores in the opening weeks, sparking online debate about whether judges are grading the high-profile cast too harshly. Fellow pro—and Val’s wife—Jenna Johnson defended the panel’s slow build strategy, saying dancers must “pace out the scores” over the eight-week marathon. Apology Fallout and What It Means • Reputation repair: By apologizing swiftly, Val avoided a possible producers’ reprimand and demonstrated respect for Inaba, a judge he has sparred with before. • Fan reaction: Social media sentiment flipped once the apology dropped, with many viewers praising Val’s accountability while others questioned the authenticity of his mea culpa. • Competitive stakes: ABC insiders say no formal disciplinary action will follow, so Val remains eligible for the Mirrorball Trophy run. Inside Val & Jenna Dewan’s Partnership Dewan’s contemporary training gives the pair an edge in fluid styles, yet Val insists he’s drilling classic ballroom technique to silence claims of an “unfair advantage.” Expect sharper frame work in their upcoming foxtrot, which sources tease will feature nods to Dewan’s breakout role in “Step Up.” What to Watch in Week 5 1. Score surge? After consistent sevens, judges hinted they’re “ready to reward risk,” making Week 5 a potential breakout for Val and Jenna. 2. Wardrobe buzz: Costume designers are crafting nautical-inspired looks—think navy blazers meets ballroom glam—that could dominate next-day fashion chatter. 3. Viewer votes: With streaming audiences on Disney+ now eligible to vote in real time, West Coast fan turnout may swing the leaderboard. Why This Story Matters Val Chmerkovskiy remains one of DWTS’s most searched pros; spikes in queries follow every controversy, apology, or standout routine. As Season 35 hits its midpoint, his ability to convert headline drama into high-score momentum could define not only his season but also DWTS’s ratings trajectory heading into November sweeps. Bottom Line From a high-profile apology to the chase for perfect 10s, Val Chmerkovskiy’s Season 35 narrative blends pop-culture intrigue with competitive fire. Keep eyes on Tuesday night’s broadcast: a course-correcting foxtrot could flip the script—and reignite Val’s charge toward a third Mirrorball triumph.