Val Chmerkovskiy is supporting Alan Bersten as he temporarily takes over his partnership with Jenna Dewan on Dancing With the Stars. The professional dancer is sitting out the October 20, 2026, episode following a controversial social media post involving judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
Despite the unexpected change, Dewan will continue competing this week with Bersten. According to reporting by E! News, Chmerkovskiy trusts his fellow professional to handle the performance and plans to return to the ballroom the following week.
Why Is Val Chmerkovskiy Suspended From Dancing With the Stars?
The Val Chmerkovskiy suspension follows a social media comment he made after the October 13 episode of Dancing With the Stars.
During that episode, Inaba criticized a samba routine performed by Chmerkovskiy’s wife, Jenna Johnson, and her celebrity partner, Harry Shum Jr. The judge questioned a lift included in their performance.
Following the critique, Chmerkovskiy posted a TikTok comment referencing the 2022 Oscars incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock. The remark prompted criticism because viewers interpreted it as an inappropriate response to the judge.
BBC Studios, the production company behind Dancing With the Stars, subsequently confirmed that Chmerkovskiy would miss the following week’s episode.
In its statement, the company emphasized that the well-being of everyone working on the show was non-negotiable. It also said his social media post did not meet the standards expected of people associated with the program.
Val Chmerkovskiy Apologizes for His Social Media Comment
Chmerkovskiy has acknowledged that his comment was a mistake. He explained that he had reacted impulsively while trying to defend his wife but had not fully considered how his reference could be interpreted.
He also expressed regret that Inaba became involved in the controversy and apologized for his poor judgment.
The dancer said he did not want the situation to distract viewers from the competition or from Dewan’s work in the ballroom.
His response came after the production company announced the suspension, making it clear that the controversy had consequences beyond the original exchange on social media.
Alan Bersten Steps In as Jenna Dewan’s New Dance Partner
With Chmerkovskiy unavailable for the October 20 show, Alan Bersten has been selected to dance with Jenna Dewan.
Bersten previously competed in season 35 with celebrity partner Giada De Laurentiis. The pair were eliminated on September 22, allowing the professional dancer to return to the competition in a temporary role.
Although the partner change came unexpectedly, Dewan is continuing with her scheduled performance.
The switch also gives Bersten another opportunity to perform on the ballroom stage this season, while Dewan can remain focused on her competition journey.
What Will Jenna Dewan and Alan Bersten Dance To?
Dewan and Bersten are preparing a Viennese waltz to “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers for the October 20 episode.
Dewan revealed the routine in an update shared through Dancing With the Stars‘ social media channels on October 19.
The performance is part of Dedication Night, an episode built around meaningful personal tributes. Dewan’s dance is dedicated to her mother, Nancy.
The temporary partnership means the pair must prepare the routine together despite the late change. Their performance will be one of the key moments to watch as the competition continues.
When Will Val Chmerkovskiy Return to DWTS?
Chmerkovskiy is expected to return for the October 27 episode, according to reporting by E! News. He has also indicated that he intends to resume dancing with Dewan after completing his one-week suspension.
However, his return should be understood as an expectation rather than a guarantee until the show’s production confirms the arrangement.
For now, Dewan and Bersten will take the stage together while Chmerkovskiy remains away from the competition.
What Happens Next for the DWTS Partnership?
The temporary change places the spotlight on Dewan’s ability to adapt to a new professional partner during an important week of competition.
Meanwhile, Chmerkovskiy’s public apology and stated intention to return leave the door open for the original partnership to continue.
The immediate focus, however, remains on the October 20 performance. Dewan and Bersten will need to make their Viennese waltz work under competition conditions, while the wider cast continues its pursuit of the season’s Mirrorball Trophy.
As the situation develops, viewers will be watching both the ballroom performances and any further announcements from the show’s production team.