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Entertainment · October 18, 2026

Jenna Dewan’s fiancé, Steve Kazee, rallies behind dancer after partner Val Chmerkovskiy’s ‘DWTS’ suspension: ‘We got you’

3 sources →

Steve Kazee, fiancé of Jenna Dewan, publicly expressed support for her on Instagram after her 'Dancing With the Stars' (DWTS) professional partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, was suspended. The suspension, announced by BBC Studios on October 17, followed a social media post by Chmerkovskiy that referenced the 2022 Oscars slap involving Will Smith. Chmerkovskiy’s remark was a response to judge Carrie Ann Inaba’s critique of a 'lift' performed by his wife, pro dancer Jenna Johnson, and her partner Harry Shum Jr. Consequently, Dewan will dance with pro Alan Bersten during the show's 'Dedication Night' on October 20.

Read the original coverage

  • New York PostTabloid

    Jenna Dewan’s fiancé, Steve Kazee, rallies behind dancer after partner Val Chmerkovskiy’s ‘DWTS’ suspension: ‘We got you’

    Read at New York Post ↗
  • Us WeeklyCelebrity

    Jenna Dewan’s Fiance Breaks Silence On Her ‘DWTS’ Partner Val Chmerkovskiy’s Suspension: ‘We Got You’

    Read at Us Weekly ↗
  • E! NewsCelebrity

    Jenna Dewan’s Fiancé Steve Kazee Speaks Out After Her DWTS Partner Val Chmerkovskiy's Suspension

    Read at E! News ↗

Reported by multiple outlets

  • Steve Kazee posted a message of support for Jenna Dewan on Instagram Stories.
  • Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended for one week by BBC Studios.
  • The suspension was triggered by a social media post referencing the Will Smith/Chris Rock Oscars incident.
  • Chmerkovskiy’s post was a reaction to judge Carrie Ann Inaba penalizing Jenna Johnson for a 'lift'.
  • Jenna Dewan will partner with Alan Bersten for 'Dedication Night'.
  • Dewan is performing a Viennese waltz in honor of her mother, Nancy Bursch.

Reported by only some outlets

  • Jan Ravnik posted a TikTok poking fun at the situation (Us Weekly).
  • Jenna Dewan and Alan Bersten will perform to 'Unchained Melody' (E! News).
  • This is the first pro-dancer suspension in the history of the show (E! News).

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