Val Chmerkovskiy and Carrie Ann Inaba appear to be putting their recent conflict behind them after sharing an emotional moment during Dancing With the Stars’ Horror Movie Night.

The professional dancer and the judge were seen having a heartfelt conversation behind the judges’ table during the October 27 episode. In a behind-the-scenes video circulating on social media, the pair held hands and embraced as they appeared to address the controversy that recently led to Chmerkovskiy’s one-week suspension from the show.

At one point, Inaba appeared to reassure him by saying, “It’s OK.” After their conversation, she turned toward the people watching nearby and clarified their relationship.

“So everyone’s staring. We are coworkers and we are completely cordial. We are good, OK?” she said.

Val says the reconciliation brought ‘cathartic relief’

Speaking to People after the episode, Chmerkovskiy described the interaction as a meaningful step toward resolving the tension between them.

“I think it was just really important for me to make sure that she feels safe and knows that, firsthand from me, I want nothing but love for her,” he said.

The dancer also emphasized that he wants Inaba to understand his genuine feelings rather than be influenced by outside opinions.

“I want nothing but joy for [Carrie Ann] and as much as the world might say otherwise, I want her to know how I feel, not how others want me to feel, but how I genuinely feel,” he added.

“I will have nothing but love for Carrie Ann. I have nothing but respect for what she has to say.”

For Chmerkovskiy, the exchange appeared to offer some emotional closure after weeks of public scrutiny.

What led to Val’s suspension?

The tension began after Inaba critiqued Jenna Johnson’s choreography during the October 13 episode of Dancing With the Stars. Chmerkovskiy subsequently took to social media to defend his wife, but one of his comments sparked widespread backlash.

In a TikTok Story, he wrote, “You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night,” referencing the controversy involving Will Smith and Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards.

Chmerkovskiy later clarified that he was referring to Smith’s famous remark about keeping his wife’s name out of his mouth, rather than the moment Smith slapped Rock. Nevertheless, the comment drew criticism, and the dancer was suspended for one week.

He was absent from the ballroom during the October 20 episode, forcing his partner, Jenna Dewan, to perform with fellow professional dancer Alan Bersten instead.

Carrie Ann praises Val’s choreography after his return

Chmerkovskiy returned to the ballroom for Horror Movie Night on October 27, where he and Dewan performed an Argentine tango.

Inaba offered positive feedback on the routine, specifically praising his work as choreographer.

“Incredible choreography, Val,” she said.

The compliment, followed by their conversation and embrace, marked a noticeably warmer moment after the controversy surrounding his social media remarks.

Dewan and Chmerkovskiy also survived the night’s double elimination, securing their place in the competition for another week.

What’s next for Val and Jenna?

The pair are set to return for Disney Night, which will air on Monday, November 2, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on ABC and Disney+.

With Chmerkovskiy back in the ballroom and his relationship with Inaba appearing more cordial, the recent exchange may signal a turning point after a difficult few weeks.

Although the full details of their private conversation remain unclear, Chmerkovskiy’s comments suggest that restoring mutual respect was important to him — both as a colleague and as someone who wants Inaba to know where he genuinely stands.

Source: Compiled from various sources