Val Chmerkovskiy and Carrie Ann Inaba Share Reconciliation After Slap Joke Suspension
DWTS pro Val Chmerkovskiy and judge Carrie Ann Inaba have reconciled following Chmerkovskiy's one-episode suspension for a controversial joke referencing the Will Smith Oscars slap.
Val Chmerkovskiy and Carrie Ann Inaba shared an emotional embrace in the "Dancing With The Stars" studio, appearing to mend fences after a controversial joke led to Chmerkovskiy's suspension.
Chmerkovskiy, 40, was suspended for one episode after he made a joke referencing Will Smith's Oscars slap in response to Inaba's criticism of his wife, Jenna Johnson's, performance. The joke, which Chmerkovskiy later clarified was a reference to Smith's line, "Keep my wife's name out of your f***ing mouth," drew significant backlash.
Upon his return to the show for Tuesday's episode, video obtained by People showed Chmerkovskiy and Inaba engaging in a lengthy conversation. The exchange, though inaudible, appeared to be a reconciliation, with the pair holding hands and listening intently to one another.
The discussion concluded with a warm hug, and Inaba, acknowledging onlookers, stated, "We are coworkers and we are completely cordial. We are good, okay?" The audience responded with applause.
Previously, tensions had flared when Inaba awarded Johnson's performance an eight and criticized an illegal lift. This prompted Chmerkovskiy's now-infamous social media response.
Despite the initial conflict, Inaba praised Chmerkovskiy's subsequent dance with his partner Jenna Dewan, scoring a 37 out of 40. "Incredible choreography, Val," Inaba remarked.
Following the post-show conversation, Chmerkovskiy described the interaction as "cathartic relief." He told People, "I think it was just really important for me to make sure that she feels safe and knows that, firsthand from me, I want nothing but love for her."
Chmerkovskiy had publicly apologized for his actions, acknowledging he made a "poor decision" and that his wife, Jenna Johnson, was inadvertently dragged into the controversy. He expressed regret that Inaba was caught in the middle of his "bad judgment."
Sources indicated that Inaba was initially furious and sought an apology and consequences. "She wanted more, but that's what they ended up doing," one insider told the Daily Mail regarding Chmerkovskiy's suspension.
Inaba later addressed the incident on Instagram, calling for a "new lift rule" for future seasons. She emphasized the need for better understanding between dancers, judges, and the audience regarding the rules of lifts and assists, citing safety and fairness as primary concerns.
Former "Dancing With The Stars" contestant Amanda Kloots commented on the situation, suggesting the drama was "a little bit blown out of proportion," while expressing her joy that the show is rooted in "family and love and joy."