Val Chmerkovskiy has issued an apology to his fellow Dancing With the Stars costar.
The professional dancer took to his Instagram Story following backlash from viewers — and Carrie Ann Inaba herself — over his insensitive joke.
For context, during Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson’s judging feedback following their Super Bowl Night performance, Carrie Ann called Jenna out for her Samba choreography.
Or lack thereof.
Carrie Ann “encouraged” the DWTS pro to push herself further with her choreography, especially since she’s paired with Harry, who has previous dance experience.
Well, Val’s protective husband mode came out.
“You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night,” Val wrote, seemingly referencing Will Smith slapping Chris Rock onstage at the 2022 Oscars.
On Thursday, Oct. 15, Carrie Ann called Val out for the joke, and he, in turn, issued an apology.
“I want to apologize from the bottom of my heart for my recent post,” Val began his statement on Oct. 15.
“I have reached out to Carrie Ann to apologize directly and personally, and I also want to apologize publicly as I understand my words affect so many outside of our internal DWTS family.”
Val also acknowledged the responsibility that comes with his platform and position as a “role model,” vowing to pause and be more careful with his words moving forward.
“I need to treat that with more care by actively pausing to think before I post to ensure what I am sharing aligns with who I am, and who I want to be for you all.”
ICYMI: Jenna Johnson and Val are both longtime Dancing With the Stars professional dancers.
The couple tied the knot on April 13, 2019, and share one son, Rome Valentin Chmerkovskiy, who was born in January 2023.
