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Entertainment · October 18, 2026

Jenna Dewan’s new ‘Dancing With the Stars’ partner revealed in wake of Val Chmerkovskiy suspension

3 sources →

Dancing With the Stars pro Val Chmerkovskiy has been suspended for one week following a social media post that referenced Will Smith’s 2022 Oscars slap. The post was made in defense of his wife, fellow pro Jenna Johnson, after she received a technical critique from judge Carrie Ann Inaba. For the upcoming "Dedication Night," Jenna Dewan will perform her Viennese waltz with pro Alan Bersten, who was previously eliminated this season. Chmerkovskiy and the show's producers, BBC Studios, have both issued statements addressing the disciplinary action and the importance of professional standards.

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Reported by multiple outlets

  • Val Chmerkovskiy is suspended for one week and will miss 'Dedication Night.'
  • Alan Bersten will fill in as Jenna Dewan's dance partner for the October 20 show.
  • Dewan will perform a Viennese waltz to 'Unchained Melody' dedicated to her mother, Nancy.
  • The suspension was triggered by a social media post referencing Will Smith's Oscars incident directed at judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
  • Chmerkovskiy's post followed Inaba's critique of Jenna Johnson's performance regarding an illegal lift.
  • BBC Studios stated that well-being of staff is 'non-negotiable' and Chmerkovskiy's post was 'inappropriate.'
  • Chmerkovskiy issued a public apology to Inaba, calling his own actions a 'poor decision' and 'careless.'

Reported by only some outlets

  • Jenna Johnson reportedly cried backstage after her encounter with Carrie Ann Inaba (Page Six).
  • Harry Shum Jr. posted a message on Instagram calling for the show to remain 'joyous' amid the drama (Us Weekly).
  • Val Chmerkovskiy personally reached out to Inaba to apologize directly before his public statement (Page Six).
  • Alan Bersten was originally eliminated from the current season while partnered with Giada de Laurentiis (Page Six, Us Weekly).

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