Clarifying the Replacement

Emma Slater, a professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars, recently addressed a fan's skepticism regarding the decision to have Alan Bersten replace Val Chmerkovskiy for a single episode. After a fan questioned Bersten's involvement on TikTok, citing his early elimination from the current season, Slater set the record straight. “Yeah that’s what happens, we all step in for each other,” she replied.


The Context of the Swap

The controversy stems from the suspension of Val Chmerkovskiy from the upcoming episode of the reality competition. Chmerkovskiy was benched following backlash over remarks he made on social media regarding judge Carrie Ann Inaba. Consequently, Bersten is scheduled to partner with Jenna Dewan for their Viennese waltz performance.


The situation involving Chmerkovskiy arose as he attempted to defend his wife and fellow pro, Jenna Johnson. Johnson had previously faced critique from Inaba during a performance with her partner, Harry Shum Jr. Chmerkovskiy’s response referenced the infamous 2022 Oscars incident, famously using the phrase: «Keep my wife’s name out of your f*ing mouth.»


Backstage Reactions

Not everyone within the Dancing With the Stars circle is satisfied with the choice of Bersten as a substitute. Former pro Gleb Savchenko shared his disapproval during a recent live broadcast.


“Alan, I think he’s Alan. I mean, he’s just not up to the level of dancing, like, period,” Savchenko stated. “[The] quality, the technique. He’s a good dancer, I guess, for TV but if we talk about art? Like creating art? He’s like, eh. I don’t have anything against the guy, just, why Alan? Who else is there?”

Statement from Production

A spokesperson for BBC Studios addressed the suspension, emphasizing the professional standards of the show:

“The well-being of everyone who works on Dancing With the Stars is non-negotiable. Val’s social media post was inappropriate and does not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected with the show. As a result, he will not participate in next week’s show.”