Pro dancer Val Chmerkovskiy is back in the Dancing with the Stars ballroom, and he has a lesson to share after his suspension … but was it the lesson that needed to be learned?!
Page Six shared a clip of Val chatting with a paparazzo about his return to the ABC competition after being suspended for Dedication Night following his controversial reaction to judge Carrie Ann Inaba‘s feedback to his wife, Jenna Johnson’s routine.
“I feel very lucky,” Val said when asked about returning to the ballroom.
As for what he learned from the suspension? The DWTS pro kept his answer succinct. “Stay off of social media,” he advised.
However, Val’s advice comes at an interesting time for the competition series.
ICYMI, it was rumored at the start of the season that producers made TikTok participation mandatory for celebrity contestants. The reported requirement allegedly caused some potential Stars to walk away from the opportunity.
Earlier this season, it was rumored that producers are placing more emphasis on social media than ever before after last season saw a significant increase in voting and record-breaking numbers. While the reported rule applies to celebrity contestants, the professional dancers are also encouraged to post content throughout the week on TikTok.
So, Val might have to do more than simply stay off social media to navigate the ballroom’s new expectations. Perhaps the real lesson is learning how to use his platforms more responsibly — especially when cameras, fans, and fellow cast members are watching.
