Val Chmerkovskiy returns to DWTS after suspension, reconciles with Carrie Ann Inaba

Val Chmerkovskiy returned to the Dancing With the Stars ballroom following a one-week suspension related to an "inappropriate" joke referencing Will Smith's Oscars slap, which was made after judge Carrie Ann Inaba critiqued his wife, Jenna Johnson, Variety reported. The suspension was issued by BBC Studios after Chmerkovskiy posted a TikTok story that was interpreted as referencing the 2022 Oscars incident.

During the episode aired after his suspension, Chmerkovskiy returned to the ballroom and performed with Jenna Dewan. Both Inaba and fellow judge Derek Hough praised his choreography, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The show did not explicitly address the suspension during the broadcast, but Chmerkovskiy's return was acknowledged in a video package before their performance.

Following the episode, Chmerkovskiy and Inaba publicly reconciled, embracing on the Dancing With the Stars set as captured on social media, Deadline reported. Chmerkovskiy expressed to People that it was important for Inaba to feel safe and know he wished her "nothing but love" and joy.

Inaba also addressed the broader controversy, calling for a "new lift rule" on the show next season, as lifts are a sensitive topic in ballroom dancing, according to Deadline and Variety. She noted she had not spoken earlier out of professional courtesy for those still competing and to respect standards and practices.