VAL CHMERKOVSKIY DEFENDED HIS WIFE JENNA JOHNSON AGAINST CARRIE ANN INABA’S DWTS CRITICISM — BUT HIS WILL SMITH OSCARS REFERENCE WENT TOO FAR, AND NOW HE’S APOLOGISING! What began as a disagreement over ballroom judging quickly turned into something much more personal. Val wasn’t happy with Carrie Ann’s criticism of Jenna, and his response included a reference to one of the most infamous moments in Oscars history. The comparison added an unexpected layer of controversy to an already tense exchange. Now, the professional dancer has publicly acknowledged his mistake, shifting attention from the original judging dispute to the words he wishes he’d handled differently.

Val Chmerkovskiy said he apologized to Carrie Ann Inaba for sharing an offensive social media post in response to her critique of his wife Jenna Johnson‘s latest performance on Dancing with the Stars.

On Thursday, Oct. 15, the dancer and choreographer, 40, posted a message to his Instagram Stories addressing a since-deleted TikTok in which he allegedly took aim at the DWTS judge, 58, after she critiqued Johnson, 32, on the Tuesday, Oct. 13 episode. The TikTok referenced Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.

“I want to apologize from the bottom of my heart for my recent post,” he began.

“I have reached out to Carrie Ann to apologize directly and personally, and I also want to apologize publicly as I understand my words affect so many outside of our internal DWTS family,” he continued.

Chmerkovskiy said he “deeply” regretted making the Smith reference on his TikTok account.

Earlier in the day, Inaba took to Instagram to thank other outlets “for bringing this to my attention.”

Her post contained his alleged quote, which read, “You almost saw the Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night.”

The graphic included a photo of Smith, also 58, infamously slapping Rock during the 94th Academy Awards in Hollywood on March 27, 2022 after Rock, 61, made a comment about Smith’s wife.

“hot take: i don’t think he was referring to the slap, i think he’s referring to will smith saying ‘keep my wife’s name out your mouth’. i think everyone needs to relax,” one person commented under Inaba’s post.

Others said violence should not be a joking matter.

“I recognize that l am in a fortunate position to have a platform and to be a role model to some, and I need to treat that with more care by actively pausing to think before I post to ensure what I am sharing aligns with who l am, and who I want to be for you all,” Chmerkovskiy continued on Thursday. “I am truly sorry to Carrie Ann, and everyone who I hurt with my careless post. I will do better moving forward.”

The situation began when Inaba judged Johnson and her dance partner Harry Shum Jr.‘s samba to Usher‘s “Yeah!” for the show’s “Super Bowl Night.”

While Inaba said she “loved every minute” of the routine, she added that their samba needed “more content.” Inaba also said the dancers included an illegal lift in their routine.

Johnson asked for clarity on the critique, prompting Inaba to read the definition aloud: “When one of the dancers has both feet off the floor at the same time with the assistance or support of their partner.”

Johnson also rolled her eyes at the score she was given and spoke with Extra after the episode ended.

“You know what, it’s hard, because usually when someone’s called out for a lift, it’s when your partner lifts you,” Johnson told the outlet. “So I was definitely unaware of, like, two guys that weren’t myself rolling back Harry and lifting him. But I absolutely hear Carrie Ann.”

Val’s brother, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, also weighed in on Inaba’s critiques during the Thursday episode of The Viall Files podcast.

“She goes and starts reading off the rulebook, but then that same rulebook that’s applicable in ballroom with lifts is only applicable to a couple dancing. You’re not talking about extra background dancers running out,” he said, pointing out that Shum was lifted by the troupe members.

Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.