Val Chmerkovskiy Sparks Controversy with Will Smith Slap Reference on DWTS
Pro dancer's cryptic social media post, referencing the 2022 Oscars incident, drew criticism from fans after his wife received harsh critiques from a judge.
Val Chmerkovskiy, a professional dancer on "Dancing With the Stars," ignited a fan backlash with a cryptic social media post that appeared to reference Will Smith's infamous 2022 Oscars slap. The post, which has since been deleted, followed a contentious critique of his wife, fellow pro dancer Jenna Johnson, by judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
Chmerkovskiy's since-deleted TikTok status read, "You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night," according to a screenshot shared by a fan. This statement was posted the day after the show's "Super Bowl Night" episode. Fans interpreted the remark as a veiled threat or a defense of Johnson, drawing parallels to Smith's physical altercation with Chris Rock at the Academy Awards after Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Social media users expressed dismay over Chmerkovskiy's comment. One fan described it as "disgusting," while another stated that "essentially threatening violence... should be a fireable offense." Other comments included "Bro that joke ain’t it" and "Sounds like a threat to me!!"
In a separate TikTok video, Chmerkovskiy directly addressed Inaba's comments, writing, "Puts some respect on her name. Shes trippin talking to her like that." The clip in question showed Johnson and her celebrity partner, Harry Shum Jr., receiving scores of 8 from judges Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli for their samba. Guest judge Joe Buck awarded them a 9, resulting in a total score of 33 out of 40.
During the judges' feedback, Inaba stated she "loved every minute" of Johnson and Shum Jr.'s performance but pointed out that Johnson should have "put more content in [his] dances." Inaba also identified a lift in the routine, defining it as "any movement during which one of the dancers has both feet off the floor at the same time with the assistance or support of their partner." Johnson responded by saying she understood Inaba's point, though she initially seemed surprised by the identification of the lift.
Will Smith's physical altercation with Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars led to his 10-year ban from all Academy events. Representatives for ABC, Chmerkovskiy, Johnson, and Inaba did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
"Dancing With the Stars" airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and streams on Disney+.