Derek Hough Sends A Stern Message Amid Val Chmerkovskiy’s ‘DWTS’ Suspension — And The Ballroom Controversy Takes Another Turn! As Val remains absent following his suspension over a controversial social media post defending his wife, Jenna Johnson, Hough’s emotional remarks about love, joy and the true spirit of the competition have drawn fresh attention. Although he never mentioned Val by name, his pointed words have fueled speculation about the tension behind the scenes. Could this controversy put Val’s future on Dancing With the Stars under even greater scrutiny?

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Derek Hough Appears to Emphasize ‘DWTS’ Values as Val Chmerkovskiy Serves Suspension Amid Backstage Tension

Derek Hough’s emotional remarks during Dancing With the Stars Dedication Night have attracted attention as the show navigates a backstage controversy involving professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy and judge Carrie Ann Inaba.

Although Hough did not mention Chmerkovskiy by name, his comments about love, joy and the importance of sharing meaningful moments came while Chmerkovskiy was absent from the competition following a one-week suspension.

DWTS judge Derek Hough speaking on the show.

The disciplinary action reportedly stemmed from a controversial social media post Chmerkovskiy shared while defending his wife, fellow professional dancer Jenna Johnson, after Inaba criticized her choreography.

Derek Hough Reflects on the Meaning of ‘Dancing With the Stars’

Hough’s remarks followed an emotional Foxtrot performed by Johnson and her celebrity partner, Harry Shum Jr., to John Mayer’s “Stop This Train.”

Shum dedicated the routine to his wife, Shelby Rabara. His young daughter and parents also took part, transforming the performance into a heartfelt celebration of family.

Clearly moved by the moment, Hough used his feedback to reflect on what he believes makes Dancing With the Stars special. He spoke about the show’s celebration of love and joy, as well as the opportunity to share meaningful experiences with the people who matter most.

Alfonso Ribeiro, Jenna Dewan, and Valentin Chmerkovskiy stand on the ballroom floor during "Dancing with the Stars."

His comments resonated during an episode that unfolded against the backdrop of Chmerkovskiy’s suspension. However, Hough made no direct reference to the dispute, leaving the connection between his remarks and the controversy open to interpretation.

Carrie Ann Inaba Praises Jenna Johnson’s Choreography

Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson pose with family members on Dancing with the Stars.

Inaba also responded warmly to Johnson and Shum’s performance, particularly highlighting the professional dancer’s choreography.

She praised Johnson for preserving the defining elements of the Foxtrot while allowing the emotional story behind the routine to develop naturally.

The positive feedback stood in contrast to the criticism Johnson received during the previous week’s Super Bowl Night episode.

At the time, Inaba argued that Johnson’s routine needed more dance content and also pointed out an illegal lift. According to a source who spoke with The U.S. Sun, Johnson was left in tears backstage after the critique.

The incident reportedly prompted Chmerkovskiy to publicly defend his wife.

Val Chmerkovskiy Suspended After Controversial Social Media Post

Dancing with the Stars judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, Kym Johnson-Herjavec, and Bruno Tonioli smiling behind the judges' table.

Chmerkovskiy subsequently shared a TikTok post referencing the infamous moment when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards. The post was later deleted after generating backlash and reportedly upsetting producers.

He later issued a lengthy public apology to Inaba, but sources indicated that tensions remained.

An insider told The U.S. Sun that Chmerkovskiy also contacted Inaba by phone. However, the conversation allegedly failed to resolve the disagreement.

The source further claimed that Inaba supported the decision to remove Chmerkovskiy from one episode and that producers ultimately agreed. He was subsequently suspended for one week.

Neither Hough’s comments nor the show’s broadcast directly addressed the circumstances surrounding the suspension.

Jenna Dewan Takes the Ballroom Floor With Alan Bersten

Derek Hough gets frustrated after being cut off by 'DWTS' producers while giving feedback

Chmerkovskiy’s absence also meant a temporary change of partner for his celebrity contestant, Jenna Dewan.

Dewan performed a Viennese Waltz with professional dancer Alan Bersten, who had previously been eliminated from the competition. Despite the unexpected pairing, the two impressed the judges.

Inaba awarded them her first perfect 10 for a performance that season, making the routine a standout moment of the evening.

Although Chmerkovskiy’s absence was acknowledged during the broadcast, the show did not publicly explain the reasons behind it.

A production source claimed that cast members had been instructed not to discuss or joke about the controversy on air.

According to The U.S. Sun, Chmerkovskiy is expected to return for the following week’s Halloween-themed episode.

For now, the backstage dispute remains a talking point as Dancing With the Stars moves forward. Hough’s remarks offered a reminder of the values he associates with the competition, even as questions surrounding Chmerkovskiy’s suspension continue to draw attention.