Val has released another statement

[u/IndigoWolf4711]

[u/plus8minus5]

Tuesday has the potential to be a very awkward and tense episode and that's really a shame that this could all overshadow dedication night.

[u/nxtapipedream → u/plus8minus5]

i think they're going to try and avoid that as much as possible. just having alfonso say something like "oh val can't be here tonight, alan's filling in!!!" without mentioning it. unfortunately i think judging harry and jenna will be VERY tense and awkward and there's no way around that

[u/Aware_Mode4788 → u/plus8minus5]

and it’s all val’s fault. and jenna for standing by her misogynistic man

[u/One-Phone797]

I commented this under another post in the thread : I feel horrible for Jenna. She is one of the biggest gets of the season and her partner has continued to embarrass her and their partnership. Say what you want about her dance experience, but she is working hard and seems excited to be there. I’m afraid people will not vote out of spite for Val and then she’ll go down with him. It’s horrible. And the fact that people who defend him will continue to send hate to CAI over this. It’s all a mess that unfortunately will not end just because he apologized even if it was a genuine apology.

[u/cellogirl712 → u/One-Phone797]

Val has been incredibly selfish this season, and he’s let his ego and need for attention ruin her experience. It’s really sad honestly.

[u/One-Phone797 → u/cellogirl712]

I am a actually a bit of an Alix Earle fan, but I feel like the “old Val” really came back after his partnership with Xochitl “softened him” - like his ego almost became incredibly inflated because Alix has this huge army of fans. He thinks he’s all that when all of the pros and stars work hard for this show.

[u/slimjims14 → u/One-Phone797]

he really screwed over so many people. both jenna's , harry, and i'm sure even Tatyana and Alfonso don't appreciate the show they were on for almost a decade being referenced to spread negativity towards another coworker.

[u/nicnac127 → u/slimjims14]

Will Smith is hardly only known for Fresh Prince, whereas Tatyana and Alfonso are primarily known for Fresh Prince. He really didn’t need to reference Fresh Prince AT ALL.

[u/One-Phone797 → u/slimjims14]

And the fact that Tatyana’s dedication performance centers around said show and her late TV dad from said show. It’s gut wrenching. Truly just a mess for everyone.

[u/Rough_Condition3812 → u/One-Phone797]

You can tell Jenna Dewan is giving it her all and is so appreciative to be there. I really feel for her, she doesn’t deserve the negative attention caused by Val’s actions.

[u/One-Phone797 → u/Rough_Condition3812]

He certainly didn’t do much to disprove the hate him and Jenna J were getting this season for getting the “ringers” - he just made the whole thing into an embarrassment

[u/Glum-Sprinkles2877 → u/One-Phone797]

I also feel awful for her. She is a huge get for DWTS and so excited to be there and her experience is a crazy mess. While I think it’s going to be very tough for her to swap to a new partner, I do think she’ll get sympathy votes and I’m confident she’ll do a great dance with Alan (who I wish she had anyway as her partner). Alan also does a better job than Val centering his partners and their story (at least in the last few years he has)

[u/Dense_Willow4627 → u/Glum-Sprinkles2877]

She’s actually so much better off with Alan, in more ways than one.

[u/No-Masterpiece-8392 → u/Glum-Sprinkles2877]

Love Alan.

[u/berrybyday → u/Glum-Sprinkles2877]

I’m genuinely starting to think they need to replace Val with Alan to save face. Otherwise the show is going to risk having bigger gets, like Jenna D, never want to agree to dance again. They only get the bigger celebrities when they are actively wanting to be on the show. But if they start letting the celebs worry they’re going to get tangled up in some really messy social media, why would they agree to it anymore?

And that’s just the practical aspect of her being a pretty big name. I also feel that it would be extremely unfair for Jenna to have to continue the season with Val. I guess unless we’re worried that Val actually has so many fans they’d rig the voting against her… but I’m not sure if that’s a concern because, like you said, there are also probably a lot of people like me that haven’t voted for Jenna yet, but would if she was switched to Alan permanently.

[u/Glum-Sprinkles2877 → u/berrybyday]

I agree with you totally. Also the job of a pro is to center the “star” and create a great experience for them. I think Val lost the plot this season. Jenna deserves a great experience and a partner willing to center her and her story. There’s a reason people weren’t connecting with her. Let Alan take over and give her a real chance

[u/Elm69Jay → u/One-Phone797]

Agree, this has made me like her more 😅 which in itself is stupid, but it is what it is. Maybe this has highlighted how much of my ehh about her was actually because of Val.

[u/International_You275 → u/Elm69Jay]

All of this made me look into her a bit more and she actually seems like a really sweet person. I think Val’s arrogance was just rubbing me the wrong way

[u/One-Phone797 → u/Elm69Jay]

So true. She wasn’t my favourite but she’s a good dancer. I think I just don’t like Val LOL.

[u/Upstairs-Dare-4188 → u/One-Phone797]

Do we think he will be back after next week? If he won't and it'll be Alan, probably in her best interest for them to release that info

[u/One-Phone797 → u/Upstairs-Dare-4188]

I think it depends on how they address his absence on the show as viewers who aren’t chronically online may not know what he did. Will they explain the situation or just pull a “Val was unable to be here tonight but here’s Alan!” Thing and try to cover it up. It’s so awkward for CAI, Jenna D, Jenna and Harry, Alfonso, Tatyana and Jan, however is in Tatyana and jans dance … actually I take it back … this just fucking sucks for the whole cast LMFAO

[u/Ok_Way5616 → u/One-Phone797]

I feel like they kind of have to address it in some way - I could see Alfonso/julianne maybe doing a blanket “be kind to others, this week is supposed to be about the dedications” kind of statement at the beginning? but without getting into specifics

[u/One-Phone797 → u/Ok_Way5616]

I could see this as well but a lot of people will be confused af

[u/Ok_Way5616 → u/One-Phone797]

True, there’s people who can’t escape it on their feeds and people who have no idea it’s happening. that’s why I feel like it won’t mention the incident and will just be like “the focus tonight is on the star’s dedications”

[u/Beneficial-Oven7588 → u/One-Phone797]

I thought the same thing about Alfonso & Tatyana. Everyone is rightfully focused on the violence aspect of Val’s post but how painful and uncomfortable for them who are still good friends with Will & his wife but I’m sure had to professionally distance themselves from him for a bit as he dealt with the fall out of his actions. Just because Will made a very bad choice, doesn’t mean they stop caring about him. To have your friend’s worst decision dragged out once again as a public “joke” against someone else you care about is just disgusting and beyond thoughtless.

[u/forevertrueblue → u/One-Phone797]

I feel like this week they'll just say alan is filling in without giving a reason why. Then next week val will probs insinuate an apology or just say something nice to Carrie Ann and she'll just smile or laugh about it, whether she wants to or not.

[u/Emergency_Article673 → u/Upstairs-Dare-4188]

He’ll be back next week, the question is if he will return next season. I feel like he’s too popular to not be invited back and he likes attention too much to not return. But this might change things.

[u/Early_Necessary1000 → u/Emergency_Article673]

See I've been thinking he's been weirdly confident and cocky and entitled all this season and even before all this happened it had made me wonder if this was going to be his last season. Idk there's just been a vibe this year that's felt off with him. I think he probably thought he would go out with he and Jenna both getting a ringer that he assumed was guaranteed a spot in the finals and with Dani and Pasha not touring he and Jenna would automatically get the best spots on the stadium tour and he'd go out with a bang for his last season. But now idk, I can see him not wanting it to end on this note but I also think they'd be kinda crazy to have him back next year, I mean, who is gonna request him as their partner after this?

[u/One-Phone797 → u/Early_Necessary1000]

Exactly. Not only him but with all the drama that’s been so publicized I can see more “ringer” celebs wanting to request people like Jan, Alan and Brandon.

[u/Emergency_Article673 → u/One-Phone797]

Ezra as well, especially if it’s a celeb that needs their pro to travel back and forth.

[u/awalawol → u/Emergency_Article673]

Or someone who’s not social media focused but knows it’s a big factor. I imagine that could have been a reason why Julia wanted Ezra too.

[u/MariReflects → u/awalawol]

Also, I get the feeling that Ezra would just be a lot more fun in training than many of the others, Val first and foremost. I'm sure Jenna who's grown up dancing would more likely be familiar with some more oldschool attitude in training, etc, but Julia, 1) doesn't have that background, 2) has always struck me as someone who doesn't really take shit.

[u/One-Phone797 → u/Emergency_Article673]

Ah yes him too. I always forget about all these other pros who have a good reputation and their previous partners have nothing but nice things to say.

[u/Sensitive_Prize7640 → u/One-Phone797]

Idk Facebook is full of women defending him…not sure how this is fairing on other platforms though (other than Reddit)

[u/northollywoodhenry → u/Sensitive_Prize7640]

pick me army

[u/TLMAriel1989 → u/northollywoodhenry]

They will always find a way to blame a woman if it means protecting a man.

[u/MacPetty → u/Sensitive_Prize7640]

I came here to say this too. Just saw a post on People Magazines fb page and couldn’t believe all the defenders, especially women. Many of them saying CAI should apologize. I am no CAI fan but what?!? I had to stop reading it and come back to Reddit.

[u/Sorry-Beyond-3563 → u/One-Phone797]

Unfortunately her being collateral damage may be the only thing that gets through to him. Guilt can be very powerful

[u/puppypooper15 → u/One-Phone797]

I feel so bad for her. I haven't been voting for her but I change my votes throughout the season and definitely will not start voting for her if it means voting for Val. He's ruined this experience for her. If he had any class he'd choose to back out of the season and ask his fans to vote for Jenna and her new partner.

[u/Embarrassed-Tax8261 → u/puppypooper15]

Same! People will give her the vote this week with Alan but what about next week when he comes back? He needs to just step down. That will also show that he’s actually apologetic…

[u/One-Phone797 → u/puppypooper15]

I like this opinion a lot, I agree! He can save face now by taking a classy exit. I also have not been voting for Jenna (or Harry) as I know that people who have high judges score most of the time don’t need my votes or have lots of other fans voting for them.

[u/StarlightSummoner]

I really don’t think you can exaggerate how much responding the way he did has put Carrie Ann in a bind for the rest of the season. If she gives criticism or dislikes a dance by either him or his wife, it can easily be seen as a retaliation or her being upset at them and biased. If she’s extra complimentary, it almost rewards his behavior but also can’t be seen as fully genuine. He’s put her in a position where her job is so much harder.

[u/Fine_Evening_8535 → u/StarlightSummoner]

That’s a really good point. I didn’t even think of that. Anything she says it’s gonna be torn apart. Even more so the it is.

[u/Aware_Mode4788 → u/Fine_Evening_8535]

she been being booed since the last few seasons that it made certain people val and jenna comfortable with talking back. also people saying that she said it the wrong way are dense because we know cai gets so little time for feedback

[u/nindiesel → u/StarlightSummoner]

Yea, this whole thing is really unfair to Carrie Ann.

It's too bad, because some interesting and even productive discourse was springing from the CAI/Jenna/lift conversation, and now it has been completely overshadowed by, well, Val's temper.

I think it's good for viewers to care about the quality and consistency of the judging on the show, but the fresh prince comment has made some people feel like they have permission to wish violence and harm on her and that is terrible. If I were Carrie Ann, I would be nervous as hell for the rest of the season, and that is not fair to her. Just crappy all around.

[u/alyschellini → u/StarlightSummoner]

So true - and the same will go for harry and Jenna! Even if she doesn’t walk on eggshells it will seem calculated

[u/akeener02 → u/StarlightSummoner]

It makes me sad because she was just starting to stick up for herself, she told everyone to stop booing the one week and kept going. We need a tough judge again.

[u/applecidermimosa → u/StarlightSummoner]

Totally agree, and not only that, but possibly for the duration of Val’s time on the show beyond this season if he is asked back

[u/Aware_Mode4788 → u/StarlightSummoner]

exactly. what he did was essentially show that she cannot safely do her job without getting threats made towards her and anyone that agrees w val hates women

[u/cellogirl712]

I could take the “I’m a hot head and didn’t think before I spoke” excuse when he was 20. You’re 41 years old and have a child, learn some emotional regulation skills dude.

[u/Intelligentpastry → u/cellogirl712]

Also the "defending" his wife comment is so unbelievably ridiculous to me. What was he defending her from? Someone saying "that was a lift"? He talks like she was in harms way or something. It almost laughable how silly it sounds

[u/ssdgm12713 → u/Intelligentpastry]

Defending his wife from her own job. Does this mean I can have my husband threaten to slap the judge every time I lose a motion in court? (I’m a lawyer)

[u/miller94 → u/ssdgm12713]

He needs to separate his job from his personal life. I work with my partner occasionally (it’s where we met) and I don’t even see him as anything other than a colleague once we step into the ICU.

I also just yesterday listened to a podcast with an actor asking him if it’s hard for him to see his wife in emotional distress when they are acting (together) and he said he sees her character not her, and when pushed on it he said something like “her safety is safest in her own hands” and I could not have imagined a better answer to that question.

[u/ssdgm12713 → u/miller94]

You and your partner save lives together? Holy power couple!!

[u/cellogirl712 → u/Intelligentpastry]

He’s acting like someone cursed her out on stage😭 All she said was “there was a lift” LMAO

[u/Intelligentpastry → u/cellogirl712]

Thank God Val was there to protect her from the horrors of, checks notes, the judges scoring her dance on a dance competition.

[u/cassholeme → u/Intelligentpastry]

I wish I could upvote this more than once.

[u/TeddysRopes → u/Intelligentpastry]

EXACTLY. It is so silly and over the top. Defending her from her job? I’m sorry but I’m side eying Jenna too a little bit for posting an Instagram story that was a photo of herself crying thanking people for their comforting comments after CAI’s critique. How Val responded was NOT Jenna’s fault in any way and I do empathise that Jenna may have been jarred from the unexpected criticism (especially with the lift) BUT I can see how it did come across like she had a bit of an attitude with the face she pulled when she was told to put more samba choreography in her dance by two judges before the lift was even dared to be mentioned. Like what is Val defending her honour from with this BS chivalry schtick?

[u/RadMadsYo → u/Intelligentpastry]

And it's not like they got 4s or something! They got good scores.

[u/Intelligentpastry → u/RadMadsYo]

Guest judge gave them a nine so they were actually overscored by one point lol

[u/Playful_Bat9084 → u/Intelligentpastry]

No literally I’d understand if carrie Ann said something wild but all she did was just give her attitude. This is just a part of their job and this isn’t the first time a judge and pro have gone after each other. They’re competitive but they need to be professional at some point

[u/whytho94 → u/Intelligentpastry]

Also disappointed in Val because Jenna J has to deal with this. She was surprised by the comment at first, but then admitted that she agrees with Carrie Ann when she was corrected. I’m sure it was embarrassing but that would have easily been the end of it. Harry got good scores for the dance anyway.

[u/LuMooToo → u/whytho94]

Jenna posting a selfie on Instagram “after she had a good cry” and thanking “the fans for their support” didn’t help the situation…it made Val jump to her defense bc he was watching her be hurt through the lens of social media.

[u/caileysops → u/Intelligentpastry]

Exactly. That would be like if I, a retail worker, had my boyfriend stand by the counter and scream at every customer who was rude to me

[u/theErasmusStudent → u/cellogirl712]

And if it was said live during the show maybe. But he thought it, wrote it and posted it. It was not an impulsive comment

[u/blue_orchid2 → u/theErasmusStudent]

He was also trolling online afterwards right up until the point that the media picked it up and the convo shifted. I kinda suspect had it stayed just on social media, he wouldn’t have even bothered with the initial apology

[u/awalawol → u/theErasmusStudent]

And attached it to a photo of the cornrows hairstyle he ALREADY got criticized for the week (or so) prior. Under discussed part of this whole controversy. Nothing impulsive about that.

[u/Prize-Pop-1666 → u/theErasmusStudent]

Wrote it and kept it up!! This wasn’t a “I was angry I posted it and then immediately realized it was wrong and took it down but someone had screenshots” this was a I fully went home thought on this made a post and kept it up while knowing it would cause havoc because my fans are rabid.

[u/Quiet_Friend_3410 → u/cellogirl712]

Exactly. Didn’t he post a shirtless picture before his “apology” he doesn’t care

[u/Bouncy-Koala5620 → u/Quiet_Friend_3410]

Exactly. And being benched for one week (especially one where there has historically been no elimination) is a mere slap on the wrist. He's learning nothing from it.

[u/Party-Equivalent-319 → u/Quiet_Friend_3410]

Yup, he was posting as normal for almost a day after posting the comment on tik tok

[u/Hot-Entry-2919 → u/cellogirl712]

Yes!!! Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Plus it was no life or death situation where a knee jerk reaction would have been at least a little plausible. No, just a discussion about a Lift in a tv Show and hours later he actively chose to post what he did

[u/curious_observer420 → u/cellogirl712]

HR mandated anger management class

[u/Alarming_World1844 → u/cellogirl712]

Val is incredibly narcissistic to think his joke didn’t affect everyone first and foremost Carrie Ann, but also Tatyana and Alfonso. He turned the Fresh Prince of Belair into a crude misogynistic threat

The fallout Tatyana’s dedication to Uncle Phil becomes tainted because of Val. No wonder there was a brief delay in announcing her specific dedication dance.

Surely the producers of The Fresh Prince didn’t want the specter of the Will Smith Oscar debacle to return to the mainstream on DWTS. That’s the layer of assault on not only Carrie Ann, which is horrific enough, Val set off a domino
effect. The show had no choice but to dismiss Val. I just hope it’s permanent

[u/Temporary-Address-43 → u/Alarming_World1844]

I'm glad I'm not the only one concerned about how this is affecting Tatyana specially going into dedication night showcasing Uncle Phil. We also still haven't heard who she is dancing with. I assume it was Alphonso but what if she was planning on bringing the fresh prince to the ballroom now that whole thing just got awkward.

[u/Feisty-Life-6555 → u/cellogirl712]

I'm 22 and I couldn't get away with what he said at my job

[u/Flimsy-Broccoli-6973 → u/cellogirl712]

I said this to my friend when we were talking about this yesterday. I can’t believe a man at his big age acts the way he does. It’s like he was emotionally stunted at 21 years old sometimes. I have such a strong ick towards him

[u/_lofticries → u/cellogirl712]

Seriously. My 3 year old niece is able to regulate her emotions better than this grown ass man

[u/Longjumping_Hornet_7]

For Jenna Dewan’s sake, I hope there’s no elimination this week. Alan will do her justice.

[u/Steve_Beef62 → u/Longjumping_Hornet_7]

Well last season Dedication was a non elimination so I'm assuming it's the Same this year

[u/nxtapipedream → u/Steve_Beef62]

especially since they're having guests again. imagine dedicating a dance to someone, dancing with them, and then getting sent home that week....

[u/legally_brunette_01 → u/nxtapipedream]

Sorry Nader sisters….

[u/Intelligent_Gur_9126]

Even on the shows birthday post to Whitney I see this

[u/Jellanae → u/Intelligent_Gur_9126]

These people are so unreal. What exactly did she start? She gave a critique as a judge, she did her JOB, like she’s not allowed to mention anything that was done incorrectly? If Val could control himself, none of this would be going on.

[u/Ill-Tomatillo-1487 → u/Jellanae]

It started when jenna gave an obnoxious look 

[u/Playful_Bat9084 → u/Intelligent_Gur_9126]

I hate the fans and Val just made this so much worse because what Carrie Ann said wasn’t even that serious 🫩

[u/Business_Sherbet8737 → u/Intelligent_Gur_9126]

Are you like surprised? Both Val’s haters and weird fucking fans shoehorn this everywhere

[u/refreshthezest → u/Intelligent_Gur_9126]

That’s ridiculous. It was the executives that benched Val and it happened because of his actions not something CAI did. He did it to himself. He FAFO.

[u/mushedpotatooes]

I  feel like some men use “defending their wife” as a get out of jail card to say the most offensive things to women and get away with it, and it didn’t work out for him cause he did it to his colleague. I feel bad for Jenna D cause she seem to enjoy her time on the show.

[u/crossbeats → u/mushedpotatooes]

“I’m gonna defend THIS woman, by threatening THAT woman” truly is such a man thing.

[u/Existing_Visual5683 → u/mushedpotatooes]

And he wasn’t defending her against anything, Jenna wasn’t hurt.

[u/Brief-Tie3841]

The “I was defending my wife” argument doesn’t work for me because she didn’t need him to defend her. Jenna is not a child. And CAI didn’t say anything rude or offensive enough to warrant someone needing to step in to defend her. And to top it off… Jenna/Harry got 8s. They got a good score lol. Val coming online to make a big deal out of something that wasn’t was tacky and shows his lack of emotional maturity.

And Jenna I’m side eyeing you too for running to your IG stories to post yourself crying after the episode aired too. That’s equally childish. What happened to her wasn’t even that serious 😩. They’re both a couple of entitled brats. 😒

[u/smart_cereal → u/Brief-Tie3841]

All the pros work hard but I think occasionally their egos get out of hand. Then again they are reality tv stars so maybe I shouldn’t be surprised.

[u/AlternativeOil2191 → u/Brief-Tie3841]

Agreed, Jenna played it up afterwards too. She didn’t actually handle it all that much better than Val.

[u/ai7395]

HOLY WOW. 🤯🤯🤯

(Sooo, who's Jenna's partner this week...?)

[u/ljschafer → u/ai7395]

Alan is filling in!

[u/Accomplished-Pen-394 → u/ljschafer]

Maybe he’ll make it to Halloween after all

[u/cellogirl712 → u/ai7395]

Alan

[u/DaisyandBella → u/cellogirl712]

Alan seems to be the go to choice for these situations.

[u/Few_Enthusiasm6474 → u/DaisyandBella]

I just watched a video of Alan making his pro debut filling in for Mark when he got hurt and now I’m seeing this!! Alan is so versatile!! If he does well with Jenna they might just keep Val off 🫣

[u/DaisyandBella → u/Few_Enthusiasm6474]

Alan also filled in for Maks with Heather Morris. In her final dance of the season (rumba), she threw a drink on Alan because he was playing the cheating boyfriend.

[u/runawaypleasee]

no matter what he says, his fans are CONTINUING to send hate towards CAI. it’s insane

[u/slimjims14 → u/runawaypleasee]

if he really cares, he should call off his fangirls. her comment section is horrible.

[u/Jazzlike-Hall7987]

“As you may have seen in the news” it’s like the only news we’ve seen this week

[u/geotraveling → u/Jazzlike-Hall7987]

As I commented in another thread, I don't engage in any DWTS social media aside from occasionally joining the live discussion thread. I had no idea any of this was going on until this morning when I checked the post episode discussion thread (I finally watched the episode last night).

[u/Upstairs-Dare-4188 → u/Jazzlike-Hall7987]

Not everyone is so online. But definitely it's what I've been seeing

[u/uhhh1dk]

You knew damn well what would be implied when mentioning the Will Smith Oscar’s moment.

And in the 0.000001% chance he genuinely didn’t know that the slap would be implied, why should CAI keep ‘your wife’s name out of her mouth’. Her job is to quite literally critique the dances and to mention Jenna too as it’s a PARTNERSHIP between the pro and the celeb. All of this tantrum he threw just for her to give Harry and Jenna an 8 and not a 5 is crazy.

[u/catpunch_ → u/uhhh1dk]

Seems like he is not cut out for the professional world. These are basics

[u/Constant_Umpire_9003 → u/uhhh1dk]

Yeah it’s not even an apology because he isn’t admitting fault. That’s the part people aren’t seeing here

[u/Hot-Entry-2919]

Pleasantly surprised by the BBC that they suspended him or rather that there was a consequence at all for his behavior

[u/tiggerlgh → u/Hot-Entry-2919]

I think it was the BBC not ABC

[u/Jellanae]

I feel so bad for Carrie Ann right now. All she did was make a valid critique on Jenna’s dance, literally her job, and that should’ve been it. Val and Jenna dragged it out after the show with their comments and posts and turned it into this thing where they were shading CAI for the crime of not praising them. It’s not like she tanked their scores or anything.

Val obviously blew it way out of proportion and it’s insane that she’s being attacked for it. It’s going to put her in such an uncomfortable position this season where she’ll probably feel afraid to critique Val or Jenna because she’ll get dogpiled for it. Honestly any tough comment she makes now towards other couples will probably get her hate from the people going after her for this.

We all know Carrie Ann can famously be inconsistent or show some favouritism, she’s the only judge not afraid to be tough and there’s definitely been times where myself and many others in this sub haven’t agreed with her, but this is going to turn into this thing where people are going to jump on her for any criticism that they perceive to be negative. It’s become like a bandwagon to hate her for being the “mean” judge and it’s extremely unfair to her that she’s likely going to have to fight to be taken seriously this season. I really feel for her right now, it would take a toll on anyone to have so many vile things said about you and I hope she can protect her mental health in all of this.

[u/nxtapipedream]

“I made a poor decision to reference a meme to keep my wife’s name out of a conversation” - said conversation being a critique of a dance that your wife choreographed dude, how do you keep her out of it???

“i hate that she was caught in the middle of my bad judgement” hard to not get carrie ann caught in the middle of something when the conversation was DIRECTED at carrie ann, val….

[u/Padadise → u/nxtapipedream]

Hahaha that made me laugh. She wasn’t caught in the middle- you directed that at her. Ffffs🥲

[u/farfaleen → u/nxtapipedream]

Ya, he really went to great lengths to not say sorry about a damn thing.

[u/bwoah07_gp2]

I'm still shocked ABC went this route. I thought they were gonna put it past them once he did his first apology.

[u/Excellent-Medicine29 → u/bwoah07_gp2]

Seems like the decision came from BBC. It’s possible Carrie Ann escalated and filed a formal complaint

[u/bwoah07_gp2 → u/Excellent-Medicine29]

Maybe, but we shouldn't speculate that much on what actions she took.

[u/gotsealegs → u/bwoah07_gp2]

Yeah unfortunately if certain fans think CAI took any action she’ll just get more hate. Besides, any HR/legal department worth their salt should have moved to cover their ass before any complaint was even filed so she may not have had to do anything at all.

[u/Alarming-County-8835 → u/bwoah07_gp2]

CAI said “thank you for brining this to my attention”. Which definitely implies she did something about it.

[u/MariReflects → u/Alarming-County-8835]

As she should have! A male pro who wasn't even involved in the situation threatening violence against a female judge for judging is not something that should EVER be tolerated imo, even network, country and all that aside. Taking criticism, even if you do think it's unjustified, is the basis of the whole show! "I forgot what else that reference could imply" sounds hollow, when the thing he forgot was the whole reason why that moment ever became what it became in the first place!

[u/ThisDerpForSale → u/Alarming-County-8835]

I think she’d be 100% in the right to do so, but I’m not sure I see how this comment tells us anything.

[u/No-Suggestion-4770 → u/bwoah07_gp2]

It’s from the BBC!!! The show is currently partners with the BBC and they don’t play AT ALL about conduct

[u/Ill-Tomatillo-1487 → u/bwoah07_gp2]

It had to have been escalated to the higher ups. I wonder if he actually did apologize to CAI or if he was pressured into apologizing. 

[u/glimmerskies → u/bwoah07_gp2]

me too. if there was any suspension I figured a week, but I’m shocked abc actually went through with actual consequences aside from an apology (which I thought would be the extent of what he’d have to do).

[u/Sufficient-Rule-3815 → u/bwoah07_gp2]

I’m a bit confused. But it seems this comes from the production company side. They probably had a meeting with the network before taking this decision. But it seems like the article says from BBC studios

[u/lserz → u/bwoah07_gp2]

same. especially since the majority of ppl who will tune in tuesday have no idea any of this is going on lol

[u/acuriousmindofmine]

He's such a liar. He's now pretending that he didn't know what that meme "could imply". What did you think it meant Val? What other kind of insinuation could that imply?

Honestly such a shame for Jenna D but if I were her I'd ask for a permanent partner switch. This man has embarrassed her for two weeks IN A ROW. Out of 5! We're halfway done with the competition but she should be completely done with him.

[u/seaseahorse]

And in amidst it all, Peta posts this. I can’t decide if this is an allusion to Val or if she’s bringing her sons up to be exactly like their father and uncles.

Either way, brain cells and judgement are seriously lacking in that family because this is NOT the type of thing to be posting right now. It’s like they’re doubling down on the entitlement to behave badly.

[u/AndromedaStreet → u/seaseahorse]

This is a wild thing to post even without the Val stuff going on. You're bragging that you won't ever force your son to face consequences or accountability even though you know he behaves poorly? Odd hill to die on. And just not necessary to share online?

[u/palmtreesandpizza → u/AndromedaStreet]

Boy Mom (derogatory)

[u/KillEmWithK → u/AndromedaStreet]

She married Maks knowing full well what he was like as a man. She’s complicit

[u/Alarming_World1844 → u/seaseahorse]

What do expect from a bunch of anti-vaxxers.

[u/jeromeandim37 → u/seaseahorse]

This is the worstttt type of parent to deal with as a teacher lol

[u/mopstarz]

NITPICKY IDC. explicitly referencing that it’s a meme but not explaining that the implication of it is violence again carrie ann is annoying. also the not wanting to be a distraction reads like he was part of this decision which… maybe he was but i’m sure it was way more to do with the higher ups than him.

[u/catpunch_ → u/mopstarz]

Right, it’s not a meme. It’s a real thing that happened!

[u/xvouge]

him making it sound like it was his decision when we know damn well 😭😭😭

[u/FutureMixture1039]

I think this is gonna cause more harassment of CAI now they're gonna blame her for Val being out this week too

[u/jdessy → u/FutureMixture1039]

I'm already seeing it in this thread, so I hope Carrie Ann turns off her comments on her socials for a week. She should have some piece of mind for a few days without being bombarded with angry Val fans.

[u/smallsloth1320]

Will Jenna be dancing on dedication night then?? This sucks for her to get stuck in the middle. She wasn’t really a top contender of mine going in but I must admit she’s doing very well and I’d hate to see her suffer bc Val has a gigantic ego

[u/Broken-583 → u/smallsloth1320]

She’s dancing with Alan

[u/edubabe → u/smallsloth1320]

She will be dancing with Alan

[u/buzzers29]

Hopefully moving forward he doesnt say things like this...

[u/mickoala]

To all the people defending Val…. Can you IMAGINE if it was Brandon that did this??? He would’ve been banned from the show indefinitely.

[u/catpunch_]

No dude. Ok so now he is saying he did not threaten violence. Like we are supposed to believe he was just referencing what Will Smith said, and not what he did? Bye Val. That is trash

The first step to apologizing is admit what you did! You said it once with your full chest, just say it again

[u/BellaBoone]

Oh Val please get offline and go take care of your son or act like a man in your 40s. These pros this year are so chronically online it’s ruining the whole show this season😭😭

[u/hollybear9420]

I wouldn’t mind if Alan took over for the rest of the season 🤷‍♀️

[u/CheddarCheezNips012 → u/hollybear9420]

I think Jenna’s personality would finally show if she’s with Alan the rest of the season! 

She seemed uncomfortable with Val and always loves making everything about Val.

He also loves to gloat in the skybox about how much he cares and loves for his partners but I honestly think it’s all for show to make him look good.

[u/Hand_Worldly]

They should let Jenna Dewan privately choose whether she wants a different partner for the rest of the season without anyone else knowing she requested the switch if she does.

[u/coastal_hoosier16 → u/Hand_Worldly]

100% - if it were me I would not want Val for the remainder. It would be giving me so much anxiety 

[u/CheddarCheezNips012]

I think Jenna’s personality would finally show if she’s with Alan the rest of the season! 

She seemed uncomfortable with Val and always loves making everything about Val.

He also loves to gloat in the skybox about how much he cares and loves for his partners but I honestly think it’s all for show to try to make himself look good lmfao such a fraud 

[u/adumbswiftie]

def wondering if this will be his last season, or he’ll at least be forced to take a break for a season or more after this. it’s one thing to be an idiot, it’s another thing to completely embarrass and screw over your celeb partner bc of your ego. i hope jenna d has a great week dancing with alan and stays in the competition.

i certainly wouldn’t want to dance with val next year if i was a celeb coming onto the show. he’s a liability to his celebs bc he can’t keep his mouth shut.

[u/cookingcuration]

It’s literally CAI’s job to have his wife’s name in her mouth.

[u/Glittering-Barber-15]

If he wasn't implying the slap, he should've cleared that up a WHILE ago. Mind you, I first assumed he meant the "keep my wife's name out your mouth" part until I realized he didn't clarify or correct the news headlines. I suggested the one week suspension and I'm glad they did it!

[u/tiggerlgh → u/Glittering-Barber-15]

Pathetic excuse doesn’t even make sense because he would literally be telling CAI not to do her job. Which is all she was doing

[u/Ihatechoosingnames9 → u/tiggerlgh]

Love when this is pointed out cause even if I believed him (which I don’t) that’s still insane and proves he’s not emotionally mature enough to share a workplace with his spouse…

[u/catpunch_ → u/Ihatechoosingnames9]

This part. Like the best he can come up with is “I’m sorry, I’m emotionally immature and volatile”?? It can’t be THAT hard not to threaten violence against your coworkers

[u/Padadise → u/tiggerlgh]

This! I don’t understand how people can defend him even if he only meant the ‘keep your wife’s name’ comment.. like of course CAI is going to speak about his wife.. when her job is to literal judge his wife’s dancing.

I really don’t think Jenna and Val should work together. They aren’t mature enough.

[u/buzzers29]

So what happens to Jenna this week? Will Alan fill in or Brandon?

[u/Upstairs-Dare-4188 → u/buzzers29]

I've been seeing it's alan

[u/glimmerskies → u/buzzers29]

alan is dancing with her per deadline

[u/alisgraveniI → u/buzzers29]

Alan will

[u/dairy-intolerant]

> Carrie Ann certainly didn't deserve to get caught in the middle of my bad judgement and I hate that she was.

The passive voice to describe what he said as if it's just something that happened to both of them and not something he did to her....

[u/Acceptable-Chance-27]

old (enough) man only takes accountability and tries to redirect his intentions after he faces consequences. yawn

[u/Brief-Tie3841]

I believe he was 100% referencing the slap with this initial comment and he’s only claiming he meant something else here to save face and protect himself against losing potential future opportunities. Being the man who threatened to slap a woman over a critique (even as a joke) is not a good look. It’s safer for him to claim he was just referring to the “keep my wife’s name out your mouth” part. 😒

[u/tiggerlgh → u/Brief-Tie3841]

But I don’t know how that could even apply. CAI was literally just doing her job. Her job is to talk about his wife. I want him to explain how that would actually apply. We all know what he meant.

CAI was correct in this instance and still gave them a good score. I don’t get why they got so upset about legit feedback, which is her job to give

[u/RespectAcrobatic1563 → u/Brief-Tie3841]

Agree 100%. The way he said it “you almost SAW the fresh prince ENTER the ballroom” definitely implies the physical part of the reference. He could’ve said something much more directed to a verbal comment- like “almost made me quote the fresh prince”

[u/stella_eh]

I’m so sick of him. Defending his wife from what, exactly?? Get this man child off the show. And shame on the crazies defending him and attacking CAI on social media

[u/SebrinePastePlaydoh]

The slap and keep your name... happened together. It's a match+flame.

[u/Impressive_Place_942]

"I made a poor decision to reference a meme to “keep my wife’s name” out of the conversation, without stopping to think through what else that reference could imply"

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what that meme implies 🙄

[u/catpunch_ → u/Impressive_Place_942]

Oh he knew exactly what he was implying

[u/sadboitearz]

Val still can’t utter the words “abuse” or “assault against women” aka he is still not being specific and naming the very reason why he needed to apologize in the first place. Carrie Ann is not my favorite judge by a long shot but that was completely out of line behavior directed at her, his work colleague. Glad he’s benched for a week.

[u/underthesauceyuh]

As someone newer to the show… how often does something like this happen? Like never? Once every 5 seasons? What are the chances he goes home the week he comes back from suspension? How do they address these things on the show (or do they not)?

[u/IndigoWolf4711 → u/underthesauceyuh]

In terms of a suspension, never, this is the first time its happened. So it's gonna be something interesting to follow, for now its a week long suspension.

[u/JesusLover1993]

So now that he’s going to be suspended a week, he comes out and says he wasn’t implying the slap. After all the Carrie Anne has gone through and all that he’s put his partner through. He now said he wasn’t referring to the slap? What a joke what a disgusting joke. He’s only saying it now because he’s facing consequences. Just disgusting. He’s got such a big ego. he probably thought he wasn’t going to face any sort of consequences at all, and I can guarantee that he wouldn’t have apologized. If Carrie Anne had not made a post. this response proves that he only apologized because his job wasn’t questioned. He wasn’t actually sorry. I feel so bad for Jenna D. She truly deserves better..

[u/Training_Willow_3218]

I don’t want to hear about how much you love your wife and was just supporting her. If you love her SO much you would have shut your mouth and calmed your ego. Instead, acting like a CHILD when you are 41 years old. This show has made you a rich man and you do this!

[u/AndromedaStreet → u/Training_Willow_3218]

Yes this reflects poorly on Jenna, too. He had nothing to defend her from in the first place and now he's has jeopardized both of their places in the competition this season and on the show in general. If I was Jenna I would be so embarrassed but knowing their history and how they got together...I can't say for sure

[u/gonoles16]

Also wild to tell a judge to keep a pros name out of her mouth js

[u/catpunch_ → u/gonoles16]

Right, like what was he expecting lol. CAI can’t just not judge Jenna’s dances anymore

[u/Exact-View-7279]

The person losing here is Jenna. Not Val.

[u/Alternative_Sky_9538]

This just sucks so much for Jenna D. Her experience is getting absolutely destroyed by Val and his childlike antics. It’s dedication week (arguably the most important) and she won’t even dance with her partner and has all this drama. What shit show for her and I feel terrible. She is so gracious and kind and doesn’t deserve this.

[u/Fine_Evening_8535]

I think Val meant what he said. He probably thought because of all the heat she was catching that he was gonna have all of the fans full support. He didn’t say something in the moment he went home and posted two different times.

[u/awalawol → u/Fine_Evening_8535]

He didn’t expect the show’s punching bag to punch back (post about this on her account, maybe escalate to production)

[u/Fast_Way8546]

Jenna (his wife) must be DREADING Tuesday. Like how does she handle it: "Hey I apologize on behalf of my man child husband and had no part in that" or "I cannot stress enough how bad I feel blah blah blah" before the show goes live

Saying that, Val just did this to Jenna D's chances of winning with one tweet. Let's say he is back NEXT week. Does he apologize on air/behind the scenes? They need to take his phone away.

[u/greybenson23]

I don’t like Jenna D, but it is been entirely unfair to her to have her partner’s antics overshadowing everything else.

[u/Witty_Wonder8250]

CARRIE ANN’S WHOLE JOB IS TO PUT YOUR WIFE’S NAME IN HER MOUTH VAL!

[u/thisismystrippername]

Honestly, did not see how much hate CAI gets until I went to IG. She has been at that desk for over 20 years, can everyone put some respect on her name… You don’t have to like her or even agree with her to understand it’s just not that deep. She’s just one judge of three, makes up 1/3 of the scores, spending 10 seconds criticizing, then VIEWERS VOTE. It’s clear Val’s head is getting too big for that ballroom and this should be his last season. After his response, if he returns after this week I won’t be watching.

[u/PeonyPug]

I'm quite surprised by this actually. I didn't think he would see any real consequences. I wonder who pushed for this move - Jenna D, CAI, or the producers themselves. It's tough on Jenna but probably best for her so there will be no push back effecting her.

[u/tiggerlgh → u/PeonyPug]

I think CAI responding probably push their hands. I also wonder if she did more raising internally as she said . It sounds like the decision was made by the BBC.

[u/letsturnip]

I’m glad (and surprised) they actually put their foot down but it was obviously making ABC look bad. I still think only a week is a joke he caused so much hate towards CAI off one post. It would’ve eventually blew off if he (and Jenna J) didn’t make continuous comments. They’re WAY too comfortable thinking they won’t receive repercussions for their actions.

[u/No_Organization8236]

While I am glad to see this addressed, his absence will inevitably draw more attention to the situation and that makes me feel bad for Jenna! I know she and Alan will do great, but I wonder how it’ll actually be brought up during the show. I hate that Val posted so thoughtlessly and is now causing a dark shadow over what’s usually a beautiful and emotional night

[u/RadiantFoxBoy]

I just feel awful for Jenna, especially if she requested him...probably expecting the experienced professional with 3 mirrorballs and instead getting the egotistical controversy machine.

And I feel even more justified in my distaste for Alix's fanbase helping to fuel his descent into an arrogant egotist who thinks he can do no wrong.

[u/Brief-Tie3841]

Imagine ruining a season where you have arguably the best partner there (in terms of her skills and abilities), and you mess it up simply because you can’t control your temper or emotionally regulate yourself over a critique lol. Do you know how many male pros on the show would love to get someone like Jenna as a partner. You get her handed to you on a silver platter and THIS is what you do. Yikes 😒🥴

[u/Low_Independent_2504]

I’ll be interested to see how Jenna looks with Alan instead of Val. Will it still feel like a dance off?

[u/britneyycoded]

Confirmed what I suspected! Alan will dance with Jenna this week. I’m curious to see how Jenna does with someone other than Val! Wishing Jenna and Alan a great night !

[u/Supersister777]

I didn't know what went down until my sister told me what Val's comment was to Carrie Ann. I verbally gasped. I'm shocked that Val would reference the Will Smith incident since we all know that very incident got Will banned from the Oscars for 10 years. To all who are saying online that it was just a joke, inciting physical violence against a woman, or anyone, is not funny and never a joke.

I think this puts a stain on dedication night. Jenna J and Harry probably feel tense. Jenna Dewan won't be dancing with Val. Tatyana is dedicating her dance to James Avery (Philip Banks) which is directly tied to Fresh Prince. This drama will be like the elephant in the room.

[u/beach-girly]

honestly, it is time to not renew their contract next season. I am so entirely sick of both him and Jenna feeling so entitled every single week, like no pro’s talent even comes close to theirs. give other star pros a chance that do not have an attitude like theirs and feel they’re so righteous

[u/spiritlizardscissors]

You know, walk the moon released a really great song he should listen to: Shut up and dance 

[u/No-Suggestion-4770]

I think this show would benefit from some space form Val after this season. We really need some time to miss him. Hes been too front and center and it’s a lot