Val Chmerkovskiy trending after DWTS controversy and Lindsey Vonn partnership
Val Chmerkovskiy is trending because he was suspended from Dancing with the Stars after an inappropriate TikTok post that threatened judge Carrie Ann Inaba. The buzz also includes his expressed interest in partnering with Olympian Lindsey Vonn, who is preparing for another surgery.
What happened
- Earlier
He named Lindsey Vonn as the Olympian he'd love to see on Dancing with the Stars [1]
- Oct 13, 2026
He posted a TikTok threatening judge Carrie Ann Inaba, leading to a one-week suspension from Dancing with the Stars [2]
- Oct 20, 2026
Because of his suspension, his partner Jenna Dewan danced with Alan Bersten, an eliminated pro, on the Oct 20 show [2]
What you need to know
Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended from Dancing with the Stars for one week after an inappropriate TikTok post.
Val apologized publicly and privately to Carrie Ann Inaba for the meme reference.
Val expressed interest in partnering with Lindsey Vonn, who is preparing for her ninth surgery.
The controversy highlighted tensions over lift rules in samba routines on the show.
It is not confirmed whether Lindsey Vonn will actually compete on Dancing with the Stars. Also it is unclear if Val Chmerkovskiy will return to the show after his week‑long suspension.
Background
Lindsey Vonn is preparing for her ninth surgery, focusing on her ACL, and has said the procedure could be her last. She previously partnered with Val Chmerkovskiy on season 23, winning the mirrorball trophy with Laurie Hernandez, and has said she would consider joining Dancing with the Stars if given the opportunity.
The recent controversy involved Val Chmerkovskiy posting a TikTok that appeared to threaten judge Carrie Ann Inaba, which the producers said violated the show's well‑being standards and resulted in a one‑week suspension. The dispute arose from a lift included in Jenna Johnson's samba routine during the Super Bowl Night episode, a move not permitted in that dance.
Questions people ask
Why was Val Chmerkovskiy suspended from Dancing with the Stars?
He was suspended for one week after posting a TikTok that threatened judge Carrie Ann Inaba, which the show deemed inappropriate and a violation of its well‑being standards.
Is Lindsey Vonn confirmed to compete on Dancing with the Stars?
No, it is not confirmed; she is currently preparing for her ninth surgery and has not said she will compete.
What caused the dispute over Jenna Johnson's samba routine?
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba criticized the couple for including a lift, which is not allowed in the samba dance.
Where this came from
Found through Google Trends and drafted with AI from at least two cited sources. Published automatically after passing our automated checks for sources, wording and safety. It may not have been reviewed by a person yet. Report a correction.