Val Chmerkovskiy news
The gist
Val Chmerkovskiy apologized after a since-deleted post seen as a Will Smith slap reference.
The DWTS pro's feud with a judge now shadows the season.
How it unfolded
- Oct 13, 2026On DWTS Super Bowl Night, judge Carrie Ann Inaba criticized Jenna Johnson and Harry Shum Jr.'s samba for a lift and lack of content; Val Chmerkovskiy was seen shaking his head after their score of eight.
- Oct 13, 2026Val Chmerkovskiy and partner Jenna Dewan scored 36 points, tying for first place for their Paso Doble; Guillermo Rodriguez was eliminated that evening.
- Oct 14, 2026Val posted a since-deleted TikTok Story reading "You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night," and commented "Put some respect on her name. Shes trippin talking to her like that."