Val Chmerkovskiy and Carrie Ann Inaba Clear the Air on DWTS

The tension between the two stemmed from Chmerkovskiy’s reaction to Inaba’s critique of his wife, Jenna Johnson, which resulted in a one-week suspension for the dancer. Speaking to PEOPLE after the October 27 episode, Chmerkovskiy described the conversation as a necessary catharsis. He emphasized that his priority was ensuring Inaba felt secure, regardless of the public narratives surrounding their dispute. He stated that he wanted her to understand his true feelings firsthand, rather than relying on social media interpretations.

Inaba publicly acknowledged the moment to onlookers, confirming their professional rapport remained intact. Prior to this encounter, Inaba had also addressed the broader controversy on Instagram, suggesting that the show’s evolving nature warrants a reevaluation of its lift rules. She expressed interest in facilitating a dialogue between judges and professional dancers to address future enforcement. While Chmerkovskiy’s brother, Maksim, publicly supported him during the ordeal, he noted that he allowed Val to navigate the situation independently, reaffirming that the dancer chose to handle the fallout with restraint and professional maturity.