DWTS allegedly required this season’s contestants to be more active on social media. However, one pro dancer wastoo active and got suspended as a result. Fans believe that ABC changed course and has banned Season 35 stars from social media amid the drama. Keep reading for all the details.
DWTSVal Chmerkovskiy Punished For Social Media Post
Actress Julia Stiles started a TikTok account just days before the Season 35 cast was announced, leading to speculation that she would be competing. The rumors were correct and the Step Up star is partnered with Ezra Sosa. ABC reportedly included a social media requirement for the pros and celebrities. The cast was allegedly encouraged to be more active online after a huge boost on social media during Season 34.
But now it’s come back to bite ABC. Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended from dancing on Tuesday night’s show for a social media post he made after last week’s episode. He reacted to an argument between his wife, Jenna Johnson and Carrie Ann Inaba by referencing Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars a few years ago.
Many fans interpreted the reference as a threat to slap theDWTS judge. Val Chmerkovskiy apologized for the post but claimed that he was referencing Will Smith telling Chris Rock to keep his wife’s name out of his mouth, not the slap itself. However, ABC found the post unacceptable and punished Val.
ABC Bans Stars From Social Media Amid Val Chmerkovskiy Controversy?
DWTS fans noticed a shift after Val’s suspension. Stars and pros that were usually active on social media stopped posting as much. One viewer took to Reddit to discuss a possible social media ban.
- “Is it me or is it extra quiet on the social media posts/stories from pros and celebrities after everything with Val??”
Other viewers who are on social media regularly agreed that certain contestants close to the scandal were posting less than usual.
- “The quietness is nice. If only we can get the same quietness from the rabid fans!!!!”
- “I like it, it makes the show more exciting when they are not all over media constantly”
- “Uhh Yay! None of them want to be in trouble! Duh”
- “liftgate kinda spoiled any social media interaction with fans this week”
- “Jenna D has been super quiet which is kinda sad because she was super active on socials and leaving supportive comments for everyone up until now.”
TheDWTS cast was deep in the comments before Val’s suspension. Now, it seems they only post videos and let fans argue over the suspension in the comments. While the pros and celebs may be quieter, the fan base is louder than ever. Alan Bersten fills in for Val on Dedication Night.
Tell us in the comments if you think the show should lift the social media requirement for future seasons.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger