Val Chmerkovskiy was absent from Dancing with the Stars on October 20, 2026, after receiving a one-week suspension over a controversial social media post involving judge Carrie Ann Inaba. But his celebrity partner, Jenna Dewan, delivered a standout Dedication Night performance with replacement professional Alan Bersten, scoring 37 out of 40 points.
The episode marked an unusual disciplinary moment for the ABC competition. New reporting also clarified that Inaba had not filed an HR complaint leading to Chmerkovskiy’s suspension, despite claims circulating about the controversy.
DWTS Addresses Val Chmerkovskiy’s Suspension
During Tuesday’s broadcast, cohost Alfonso Ribeiro briefly explained that Chmerkovskiy would not appear that week and introduced Bersten as Dewan’s temporary partner.
The show avoided discussing the controversy in detail. Rehearsal footage focused on Dewan’s performance rather than the disciplinary action.
Bersten previously competed with celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis before their Week 3 elimination. His return allowed Dewan to continue without her regular partner, a three-time Mirrorball Trophy winner who joined DWTS in 2011.
Jenna Dewan Scores 37/40 With Alan Bersten
Dewan and Bersten performed a Viennese waltz to “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers, honoring Dewan’s mother, Nancy, who appeared during the routine.
Despite limited preparation together, the pair impressed the judges. Inaba called Dewan’s performance a breakthrough and awarded her a 10, her first perfect individual judges’ score of Season 35.
The pair finished with 37/40, demonstrating that the unexpected partner change had not derailed Dewan’s progress.
The performance was part of the DWTS Dedication Night 2026 songs, dances and celebrity tributes.
Val Chmerkovskiy’s TikTok Controversy Explained
The dispute began during the October 13 episode when Inaba criticized a lift in the samba performed by Val’s wife, Jenna Johnson, and her celebrity partner Harry Shum Jr.
Following the criticism, Val shared a since-deleted TikTok Story stating, “You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night.”
The remark referenced Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars after a joke involving Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Because Val’s comment followed criticism of his wife, it raised concerns about an implied confrontation with Inaba.
Inaba publicly questioned the remark. Chmerkovskiy apologized on October 15, acknowledging that his attempt to defend his wife had been poorly judged.
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Carrie Ann Inaba Did Not File HR Complaint, Report Says
BBC Studios announced Chmerkovskiy’s suspension on October 17, describing his social media post as inappropriate and inconsistent with the show’s professional standards.
However, PEOPLE reported on October 20 that the suspension did not result from an HR complaint filed by Inaba.
Instead, BBC Studios investigated the post under its own procedures. The distinction separates Inaba’s response from the production company’s disciplinary decision.
Val subsequently issued another apology, saying he had failed to consider how the Oscars reference could be interpreted and regretted drawing Inaba into the controversy.
Jenna Dewan Breaks Silence as DWTS Pros React
Before the broadcast, Dewan thanked Bersten on Instagram for stepping in and helping create a meaningful performance honoring her mother. She did not directly address Val’s suspension.
The replacement also prompted reactions from fellow professionals. Gleb Savchenko questioned Bersten’s suitability, while Emma Slater defended his ability to substitute. Val publicly thanked Bersten for helping Dewan.
Bersten’s 37-point performance with Dewan ultimately provided a competitive response to the questions surrounding their temporary partnership.
Val Chmerkovskiy’s Expected DWTS Return Date
Chmerkovskiy is expected to return for the October 27 Horror Movie Night episode, provided Dewan remains in the competition. His suspension covered one week, and no permanent dismissal was announced.
Fans can follow the DWTS 2026 voting process and contestant support guide ahead of the next episode.
Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming on Hulu.
Dewan now heads toward the next round following one of her strongest performances, while attention turns to whether Chmerkovskiy will resume their partnership on October 27.
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