Overview
- After judge Carrie Ann Inaba flagged an alleged illegal lift during the October 13 Super Bowl‑themed episode she read the show’s lift definition on air and penalized the couple involved.
- Val Chmerkovskiy posted a now‑deleted TikTok on October 14 that referenced the Will Smith Oscars incident, drawing swift backlash and prompting him to apologize publicly and privately to Inaba.
- BBC Studios announced a one‑week suspension for Chmerkovskiy on October 17, saying his post was inappropriate and citing concern for the well‑being of everyone who works on the show.
- On Dedication Night (October 20) Alan Bersten stepped in to partner Jenna Dewan, hosts briefly explained Chmerkovskiy’s absence on air, and Dewan publicly thanked Bersten after their performance.
- Chmerkovskiy is reported to be expected back for the October 27 episode if Dewan is not eliminated and reports that Inaba filed a formal HR complaint remain unconfirmed in wider coverage, underscoring how social‑media conduct can produce on‑set discipline and reputational risk.