Carrie Ann Inaba and Val Chmerkovskiy caught having emotional conversation in DWTS ballroom after suspension drama

A conversation after the show

After the live show, Inaba and Chmerkovskiy were seen talking closely and holding hands at the judges’ table before embracing. People shared an Instagram video of the moment. Inaba, 58, addressed the audience, saying, “We are coworkers and we are completely cordial.” Chmerkovskiy, 40, told People that he felt cathartic relief after speaking with her.

Chmerkovskiy explains his return

Chmerkovskiy said he wanted Inaba to feel safe and understand that he wished her well. He added that he had love and respect for her, regardless of what others said.

He returned to the ballroom Tuesday after serving a one-week suspension for inappropriate social media behavior directed at Inaba. During the suspension, Jenna Dewan danced with professional dancer Alan Bersten in Chmerkovskiy’s place.

How the dispute began

The disagreement followed the show’s “Super Bowl Night” on Oct. 13. Inaba and Johnson, Chmerkovskiy’s wife and fellow professional, clashed over a lift in Johnson and Harry Shum Jr.’s samba.

Johnson reportedly broke down backstage after the exchange. Chmerkovskiy then posted a now-deleted TikTok message referencing Will Smith’s Oscars slap, following Inaba’s criticism of his wife. He apologized after the post drew backlash.

Inaba and Johnson respond

Inaba said she and Johnson had hugged it out after the critique. She said Johnson handled the situation professionally and that she later learned Johnson had been deeply hurt; Inaba offered to speak with her.

Inaba also called for a lift rule next season, saying the ABC series has changed substantially since its 2005 premiere. Chmerkovskiy had apologized to Dewan when he returned to rehearsals, saying sorry for the chaos.