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- Thanking the stand-in: Val praises Alan for stepping up
- Timeline: How the suspension and switch unfolded
- What triggered the suspension: the social-media exchange
- Official response from the production team
- Alan Bersten’s decision to focus on the performance
- How the cast responded on and off camera
- What this means for the season and viewer trust
Val Chmerkovskiy has publicly expressed gratitude after a fellow pro filled in for him on Dancing With the Stars. The exchange unfolded amid a brief suspension that put the spotlight back on the competition’s judging drama and social media fallout.
Thanking the stand-in: Val praises Alan for stepping up
On Instagram, Val Chmerkovskiy thanked colleague Alan Bersten for taking his place on the dance floor. Val’s message was warm, playful, and appreciative.
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Bersten had posted a tribute to Val’s season 35 partner, Jenna Dewan, after dancing with her for a week. Val responded by praising Jenna’s performance and noting how happy she looked. He also made a light-hearted comment about following accounts on social media.
Timeline: How the suspension and switch unfolded
The sequence moved fast. Key developments included:
- Val’s controversial social-media post followed critiques of an on-air lift.
- The show’s producers announced Val would sit out the next episode.
- Alan Bersten was named as the replacement partner for Jenna Dewan.
- Alan performed the Viennese waltz dedication with Jenna and her mother, Nancy Smith.
What triggered the suspension: the social-media exchange
During an earlier episode, judge Carrie Ann Inaba criticized a lift performed by Val’s wife and fellow pro, Jenna Johnson. Val then shared a post that referenced the judge in a way many found inappropriate. He later removed the post.
Val issued a public apology soon after. He said he regretted his choice of words and that he had reached out privately to apologize. He acknowledged his platform and expressed a desire to be more thoughtful before posting.
Official response from the production team
Representatives for Dancing With the Stars emphasized that staff welfare is a priority. A statement from BBC Studios described Val’s social post as inconsistent with the show’s standards and announced he would be absent for the upcoming broadcast.
Alan Bersten’s decision to focus on the performance
Rather than dwell on the controversy, Alan Bersten used his social post to celebrate dancing with Jenna and the emotional moment shared with her mother. Fans praised his professionalism and supportive tone.
Alan’s girlfriend, Emma Slater, publicly reacted with affection and defended Alan when viewers questioned why he had been chosen to step in.
Fan reactions and social media chatter
Online conversations ranged from supportive to critical. A few threads alleged Val unfollowed cast members during the dispute, but commenters noted Val didn’t follow every show personality to begin with.
- Many viewers complimented Jenna Dewan’s performance and her connection with her mother.
- Some fans rallied behind Alan for stepping up under pressure.
- Others debated whether the suspension was warranted or too harsh.
How the cast responded on and off camera
Alongside Val’s apology, other cast members showed solidarity and defended professionalism. Carrie Ann Inaba posted about looking forward to a meaningful dedication night, signaling a desire to move past the episode’s tensions.
Emma Slater publicly reminded critics that pros often cover for each other when needed.
What this means for the season and viewer trust
The incident highlighted the intersection of live television, personal expression, and social media responsibility. Producers moved quickly to address concerns and keep the program on track for viewers.
For fans, the week offered a reminder that reality competition shows involve real relationships and fast responses. The cast’s reactions showed both accountability and support within the DWTS community.
