Carrie Ann Inaba Did Not File Complaint in Val Chmerkovskiy Suspension
E! News learned that Carrie Ann Inaba did not file an HR complaint that led to Val Chmerkovskiy's one-week Dancing With the Stars suspension. Instead, BBC Studios Los Angeles investigated after Chmerkovskiy posted a since-deleted TikTok comment following Inaba's critique of Jenna Johnson's routine. The suspension was announced October 17, and Chmerkovskiy later apologized while explaining his intent.
E! News has reported that Carrie Ann Inaba was not behind an HR complaint tied to Val Chmerkovskiy’s suspension. Rather, BBC Studios Los Angeles opened an inquiry after Chmerkovskiy’s now-removed TikTok comment, which came after Inaba criticized Jenna Johnson’s Oct. 13 routine. The suspension was announced Oct. 17.
Chmerkovskiy later apologized, saying he reacted to defend his wife and regretted invoking a meme with unintended associations. He is paired this season with Jenna Dewan; for the Oct. 20 episode, Alan Bersten will step in as her partner. BBC Studios said the post did not meet show standards.
This story may shape how viewers and industry workers view social-media conduct by reality TV personalities. It could intensify scrutiny of how shows handle conflicts involving judges, pros, and their partners, while fans may debate whether suspensions are proportionate. Those affected could include Chmerkovskiy, Inaba, Johnson, Dewan, and production staff, as well as audiences who follow DWTS online. The outcome may influence future workplace and public-relations protocols.