The controversy traces back to an October 13 broadcast during which Inaba critiqued a lift performed by Jenna Johnson and Harry Shum Jr. Chmerkovskiy responded on social media by referencing Will Smith’s 2022 Oscars slap, a comment he later retracted and apologized for on October 15. BBC Studios subsequently labeled the post inappropriate, stating it failed to align with the show's core values. Chmerkovskiy acknowledged his "poor decision" to use the meme, expressing regret that Inaba was caught in the crossfire of his attempt to defend his wife.
His absence for the October 20 Dedication Night has triggered further friction among the show's professional dancers. Alan Bersten has been tapped to partner with Jenna Dewan, a move that drew public criticism from pro Gleb Savchenko, who questioned Bersten’s technical proficiency. Emma Slater, Bersten’s partner, defended the substitution as standard procedure for the competition. Despite the surrounding turmoil, Dewan is set to proceed with her tribute performance to her mother, Nancy, while the rest of the cast continues to navigate a season marked by intense scrutiny over scoring and judge interactions.
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