Entertainment · October 16, 2026
‘DWTS’ Pro Val Chmerkovskiy Apologizes to Carrie Ann Inaba for “Careless” Will Smith Oscars Slap Reference: “I Will Do Better”
Professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy has apologized to 'Dancing With the Stars' judge Carrie Ann Inaba after posting a social media reference to Will Smith's 2022 Oscars slap. The controversy began when Inaba criticized Chmerkovskiy's wife, pro Jenna Johnson, for an illegal lift during a samba routine with partner Harry Shum Jr. on the show's 'Super Bowl Night.' Chmerkovskiy responded on TikTok with a reference to the 'Fresh Prince,' which many interpreted as a threat of physical confrontation similar to Smith's defense of his wife. Following public backlash and a response from Inaba, Chmerkovskiy deleted the post and issued a statement expressing regret for his 'careless' words.
Read the original coverage
‘DWTS’ Pro Val Chmerkovskiy Apologizes to Carrie Ann Inaba for “Careless” Will Smith Oscars Slap Reference: “I Will Do Better”
Read at The Hollywood Reporter ↗- E! NewsCelebrity
DWTS’ Val Chmerkovskiy Apologizes to Carrie Ann Inaba After Will Smith Oscars Slap Comment
Read at E! News ↗ - Us WeeklyCelebrity
Carrie Ann Inaba Fires Back at Val Chmerkovskiy Threatening to Slap Her After ‘DWTS’ Drama
Read at Us Weekly ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Val Chmerkovskiy posted a since-deleted TikTok Story referencing the 'Fresh Prince' entering the ballroom.
- The post was a response to Carrie Ann Inaba's critique of Jenna Johnson's samba routine.
- Inaba penalized Johnson and partner Harry Shum Jr. for a 'lift,' defined as both feet leaving the floor with partner assistance.
- Chmerkovskiy issued a public and private apology to Inaba, calling his post 'careless.'
- Inaba responded to the original post on Instagram by asking, 'So this is what we are doing now?'
Reported by only some outlets
- Maksim Chmerkovskiy criticized Inaba's consistency on the 'Viall Files' podcast, arguing the lift rule applies only to couples, not extra background dancers.
- Jenna Johnson and Harry Shum Jr. received a score of 33 out of 40 for the routine.
- Jenna Johnson told E! News she accepted the judges' feedback as part of the competition.
- Chmerkovskiy's TikTok post was live for at least six hours before being deleted.
Confirmed
- Val Chmerkovskiy apologized to Carrie Ann Inaba via Instagram Story.
- The conflict arose from a 'lift' critique during a samba performance.
- Chmerkovskiy's post was deleted after receiving backlash.
Reported
- Val Chmerkovskiy reached out to Inaba directly and personally. (The Hollywood Reporter)
- The TikTok post was live for at least six hours. (The Hollywood Reporter)
Rumor
- Chmerkovskiy wanted to slap Inaba for her comments. (Reddit users)
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