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- New partner revealed for Dedication Night and the planned routine
- Why Val Chmerkovskiy will not appear next week
- What Chmerkovskiy said and how he responded
- How the controversy began: a judge’s critique and a backstage reaction
- Reactions from the judge and public fallout
- Alan Bersten’s return to the stage and what to watch for
Jenna Dewan will take the ballroom floor next week with a different partner after a suspension rocked the “Dancing With the Stars” camp. Producers tapped a former pro to step in for one night, and the switch follows a social media controversy that led to a high-profile suspension.
New partner revealed for Dedication Night and the planned routine
For the Oct. 20 Dedication Night episode, Dewan is set to perform a Viennese waltz to “Unchained Melody.” The dance will be dedicated to her mother, Nancy.
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Alan Bersten, who had previously left the competition with Giada de Laurentiis, will partner with Dewan for the performance.
- Performance date: Oct. 20.
- Dance style: Viennese waltz.
- Song: “Unchained Melody.”
- Dedication: Dewan’s mother, Nancy.
Why Val Chmerkovskiy will not appear next week
Pro dancer Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended for one week after posting on social media in a way producers deemed unacceptable.
BBC Studios released a statement saying the well-being of everyone on the show is “non-negotiable.” The company added that Chmerkovskiy’s post “did not reflect the values or standards expected.”
As a result, he will not participate in next week’s show.
What Chmerkovskiy said and how he responded
Chmerkovskiy told Page Six his intent was to defend his wife, Jenna Johnson, after her performance came under scrutiny from judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
He acknowledged making a poor choice of wording and said he referenced a meme without thinking through its implications.
- He apologized directly to Carrie Ann Inaba.
- He described the deleted post as “careless.”
- He pledged to “do better” and to pause before posting in the future.
He also said he’ll be watching the show and cheering on his partner and the cast while absent.
How the controversy began: a judge’s critique and a backstage reaction
The tension started after Inaba criticized a lift in Johnson and Harry Shum Jr.’s samba on Super Bowl Night.
Inaba read from a definition that described a lift as when both feet are off the floor with a partner’s support. The comment left the studio quiet.
Reports said Johnson was upset and may have cried backstage. Johnson later told fellow pro Julianne Hough that she “totally heard Carrie Ann” and would accept the critique.
TikTok posts that escalated the situation
Chmerkovskiy posted a TikTok that referenced the 2022 Oscars incident by saying, “You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night.”
He followed with another upload urging people to “put some respect on her name.” Fans pushed back, and the posts were later deleted.
Reactions from the judge and public fallout
Inaba was alerted to the posts and responded publicly, highlighting concerns about the direction of such commentary.
The incident sparked debate online about social media conduct among public figures tied to live television.
- Producers acted swiftly to limit distractions during an important themed episode.
- Chmerkovskiy issued both a private apology to Inaba and a public one to viewers.
- The episode’s pacing and focus will proceed with a substitute pro partner on Oct. 20.
Alan Bersten’s return to the stage and what to watch for
Bersten returns after earlier elimination, bringing experience and a fresh dynamic to Dewan’s routine.
Expect a sentimental performance given the dedication and the classic song choice.
Fans will be watching how judges score the switch and whether the drama affects scores or reactions.
Key moments to follow during Dedication Night
- Dewan and Bersten’s Viennese waltz to “Unchained Melody.”
- Judge feedback, especially from Carrie Ann Inaba.
- Audience and social media reaction to the partner change.
