Carrie Ann Inaba And Val Chmerkovskiy Finally Face Each Other After Suspension Drama – ‘DWTS’ Stars Share Emotional Ballroom Moment As Tensions Begin To Ease

A tense backstage feud appears to be taking a significant step toward resolution. Carrie Ann Inaba and Val Chmerkovskiy were spotted holding hands and embracing inside the Dancing with the Stars ballroom Tuesday night, putting on a united front after weeks of controversy, public criticism and a one-week suspension.

The emotional exchange came after the show’s Horror Movie Night live broadcast, with the longtime colleagues appearing to put their differences aside during a private conversation at the judges’ table.

Footage shared by People on Instagram captured the pair standing close together, holding hands before sharing a hug.

But Inaba was quick to address the attention surrounding their reunion.

Turning toward the watching audience, the 58-year-old judge clarified: “So everyone’s staring. We are coworkers and we are completely cordial.”

She then added, “We are good, OK?”

Val Says Their Conversation Brought ‘Cathartic Relief’

For Chmerkovskiy, the moment appeared to carry particular significance.

Speaking to People, the 40-year-old professional dancer admitted he felt “cathartic relief” after finally speaking with Inaba following his suspension.

He explained that his priority was making sure the judge felt safe and understood that he held no hostility toward her.

“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.

Chmerkovskiy also made clear that outside opinions would not change how he felt about his longtime colleague.

Regardless of what “the world” might say, he wanted Inaba to know he genuinely wished her happiness.

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

How One Heated ‘DWTS’ Exchange Spiraled Into Suspension Drama

The reconciliation follows a turbulent few weeks that began during Super Bowl Night on October 13.

Inaba and Chmerkovskiy’s wife, fellow professional dancer Jenna Johnson, became embroiled in a disagreement over a lift during Johnson’s samba with her celebrity partner, Harry Shum Jr.

The judging exchange reportedly left Johnson, 32, breaking down backstage.

Things escalated further when Chmerkovskiy took to social media following Inaba’s criticism of his wife.

In a now-deleted TikTok post, he referenced Will Smith’s infamous Oscars slap, writing:

“You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night.”

The post sparked backlash, prompting Chmerkovskiy to issue an apology. However, the controversy also resulted in a one-week suspension from the competition.

Jenna Dewan Was Caught In The Middle

Chmerkovskiy’s absence was felt during Dedication Night last week, when his celebrity partner, Jenna Dewan, was forced to perform her Viennese waltz with professional dancer Alan Bersten instead.

When Chmerkovskiy returned to rehearsals ahead of Horror Movie Night, he acknowledged the disruption and apologized directly to Dewan, 45.

“You did not sign up for that, and I feel awful,” he told the Step Up actress, expressing regret over the chaos surrounding his suspension.

His return to the ballroom on Tuesday marked another important step toward putting the controversy behind him.

Carrie Ann Also Revealed Where Things Stand With Jenna Johnson

Inaba had already addressed part of the dispute over the weekend, revealing on Instagram that she and Johnson had managed to resolve their disagreement.

According to the judge, the two women “hugged it out” following the tense exchange.

“Jenna was an absolute professional about it, and two women worked through the moment,” Inaba explained.

She also acknowledged that she only learned afterward how deeply her criticism had affected Johnson.

“It came to my attention later that Jenna was deeply hurt. So I also offered to speak with her at any time,” she added.

Rather than allowing the disagreement to linger, Inaba said she had made herself available to talk things through.

A Bigger Conversation About ‘DWTS’ Rules Is Now On The Table

Beyond the personal fallout, Inaba has also raised a question that could affect future seasons of the competition.

The judge advocated for introducing a formal lift rule next season, pointing out that Dancing with the Stars has changed considerably since its debut in 2005.

With the series continuing to evolve, she suggested its rules should evolve alongside it.

For now, the latest ballroom reunion suggests that Inaba and Chmerkovskiy are ready to move forward professionally. After weeks of tension that spilled from the judges’ table onto social media, both have publicly expressed respect, offered apologies and taken steps to repair the relationships involved.