DWTS Takes Out 2 Celebs From the Competition on Horror Movie Night

And with a night full of haunting(ly beautiful) routines—presided over by guest judge Shirley Ballas—the eyes were definitely on Val Chmerkovskiy, who made his return to the ballroom alongside partner Jenna Dewan after his one-week suspension. The couple took the stage with an Argentine tango to “Uninvited” by Damned Anthem and Kendra Dantes in a tribute to zombie films.

Chmerkovskiy was benched for the Oct. 20 episode—with Alan Bersten stepping in to dance with Dewan—over comments alluding to Will Smith’s infamous 2022 Oscars slap when addressing judge Carrie Ann Inaba’s critique of his wife Jenna Johnson.

The 40-year-old later apologized, with Inaba also sharing that she and Johnson “hugged it out” after the tense moment during Super Bowl Night, when the judge called out a lift in Johnson and partner Harry Shum Jr.’s dance that she said wasn’t allowed.

“I have not spoken about what happened because of professional courtesy for those who are still competing, and we actually have standards and practices that keep us separated,” Inaba explained in an Oct. 25 Instagram comment. “But I think a part of this ‘headline’ has missed a few important parts of what happened. I think it's important for everyone to know that Jenna and I hugged it out after the Super Bowl show. Jenna was an absolute professional about it, and two women worked through the moment.”

That said, Inaba emphasized that the show would be reviewing the show’s lift rule, possibly making changes that are more in line with how the show has evolved over the years. 

“Working together to create a better understanding between the dancers and the judges and our audience is important to me,” she added, “as we move forward and is something I have asked for.”

For a look at all the stars hoping the cha cha their way to the DWTS Mirrorball trophy, keep reading.