Jenna Dewan on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ and Val Chmerkovskiy Drama: See Her Message to Alan Bersten
What you need to know
- Jenna Dewan acknowledged the drama surrounding her Dancing with the stars partner Val Chmerkovskiy for the first time.
- The season 35 contestant thanked Alan Bersten for “stepping in” as a partner amid Chmerkovskiy’s suspension.
- She will dance in honor of her mother on Dedication Night.
For the first time since Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended from the October 20 episode Dancing with the starshis season 35 partner, Jenna Dewan, acknowledged the situation. Just hours before the live show, Dewan took to Instagram to post about Dedication Night, and she shouted out Alan Bersten, who is filling in for Chmerkovskiy during his suspension.
“This is a truly timeless moment for my family,” the actress wrote, alongside photos from her rehearsals. “I’m so grateful to be able to create this memory with my mom that we’ll share forever! And thank you also to Alan for stepping up and being amazing.”
Dewan stayed away from social media during the early days of the Chmerkovskiy controversy, but returned on October 18 to post a tribute to her mother, Nancy Bursch, whom she pays tribute to with her Dedication Night dance. She still hasn’t spoken specifically about Chmerkovskiy’s suspension.
The three-time Mirrorball Trophy champion was removed from competition on October 20 after posting on his TikTok Story on October 14: “You almost saw Fresh Prince walk into the ballroom last night. » The message, which apparently referenced Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars, was aimed at Carrie Ann Inaba, who criticized Chmerkovskiy’s wife Jenna Johnson’s choreography during the Oct. 13 episode.
After Inaba denounced the inappropriate message, Chmerkovskiy issued a public apology, but BBC studios announced his suspension on October 17. “The well-being of all those who work on Dancing with the stars is non-negotiable,” the production company said. “Val’s social media post was inappropriate and does not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected to the series.”
Chmerkovskiy followed the news with another apology, in which he explained that he referred to Smith when saying, “Keep my wife’s name out of your mouth” at the Oscars, noting that he didn’t “take the time to think about what else that reference might imply.”
He added: “Carrie Ann certainly didn’t deserve to be caught in the middle of my poor judgment, and I hate that she was. The last thing I want is to become a distraction from an important week or from the incredible work my dance partner Jenna Dewan is doing. Please send Carrie Ann, Jenna and everyone. DWTS lots of love to the family at the dedication evening. I will be watching and cheering everyone on!!
As of now, Chmerkovskiy is expected to return for the October 27 episode, if Dewan remains in the competition.
Dancing with the starsSeason 35, Tuesdays, 8/7c, ABC and Disney+
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