Val Chmerkovskiy to Sit Out Dedication Night Episode
The professional dancer received a one-week suspension following an inappropriate social media post.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Dancing
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Val Chmerkovskiy is set to miss the October 20, 2026, episode of Dancing with the Stars after receiving a one-week suspension from producers. This marks the first time in the show's history that a professional dancer has been suspended.
Why it matters
The suspension follows a social media comment Chmerkovskiy made regarding judge Carrie Ann Inaba after she criticized a dance performance. He posted the remark to defend his wife and later issued a public apology on October 15.
Val Chmerkovskiy is 40 years old, while his replacement Alan Bersten is 32. Bersten, who previously won a season in 2019, will partner with 45-year-old Jenna Dewan for the upcoming episode.
The players
Val Chmerkovskiy
He is a 40-year-old professional dancer and a long-time cast member of the competition series.
Alan Bersten
He is a 32-year-old professional dancer who previously won the competition in 2019.
Jenna Dewan
She is a 45-year-old performer currently competing in Season 35 of the show.
Carrie Ann Inaba
She serves as a long-standing judge on the panel for the dance competition series.
BBC Studios
This production company is responsible for the creation and oversight of the television program.
The details
Alan Bersten will step in to partner with Jenna Dewan for Dedication Night, where the duo is scheduled to perform a Viennese waltz to Unchained Melody. The change in pairing follows an Instagram announcement made by Dewan on October 19 regarding the show's sudden lineup adjustment.
Timeline
Alan Bersten won the Mirrorball Trophy in 2019.
Carrie Ann Inaba criticized a samba performance on October 13, 2026.
Val Chmerkovskiy issued a public apology on October 15, 2026.
Val Chmerkovskiy addressed his suspension on October 17, 2026.
The Dedication Night episode is scheduled for October 20, 2026.
Culture Shift
This suspension reflects the growing influence of social media conduct on the professional standing of entertainment figures, mirroring the 2022 Academy Awards incident. It marks a departure from historical norms where off-camera behavior had little impact on active competition eligibility.
Viewers can expect a change in the show's choreography and performance dynamics during the October 20 broadcast. Those following the season should note the substitution of Alan Bersten for Val Chmerkovskiy as they track contestant progress.
The takeaway
The show is prioritizing professional conduct and social media guidelines as part of its production standards. Fans should anticipate further adjustments to contestant pairings if similar behavioral issues occur during the remainder of the season.
What happens next
The Dedication Night episode will air on October 20, 2026, at 8PM ET, marking the first appearance of the new partnership between Alan Bersten and Jenna Dewan.
Further reading
For more updates on the show's professional lineup, visit our Dancing section.
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