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Val Chmerkovskiy sidelined from Dancing with the Stars over remark

Pro dancer Val Chmerkovskiy is off the show for the coming week after social media comments seemed to mock Will Smith's Oscars slap. Alan Bersten, a previously eliminated pro, will partner Jenna Dewan in his place.

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What happened

Dancing with the Stars pro Val Chmerkovskiy stepped away from the ballroom after social media comments that seemed to reference Will Smith's Oscars slap. Alan Bersten, a previously eliminated pro, will dance with Jenna Dewan this week. Chmerkovskiy has since spoken publicly about his suspension.

Why it matters

Chmerkovskiy will not appear on the show for the coming week. Bersten is taking his place for Dewan.

Timeline

  1. Oct 17, 5:10 PM ET: Chmerkovskiy is pulled from the show after a social media remark about judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
  2. Oct 17, 5:56 PM ET: Chmerkovskiy announces he is stepping back from the ballroom, and Bersten is named his replacement.
  3. Oct 18, 3:44 PM ET: Chmerkovskiy publicly addresses his suspension from the show.
  4. Oct 18, 5:28 PM ET: Dewan's fiancé expresses support for her, and she is set to dance with Bersten on Tuesday.

Coverage

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