Is there anything juicier than a DWTS pro getting suspended and his frenemy stepping in to save the day? Because Val Chmerkovskiy just served up a piping hot plate of gratitude with a side of shade, and we are absolutely here for every single bite.
The 40-year-old ballroom king broke his silence on Tuesday, October 20, sliding into Alan Bersten’s Instagram comments like a smooth cha-cha after a one-week suspension that had the entire ballroom buzzing. “Thank you for stepping in and doing such an amazing job,” Val wrote on Bersten’s tribute post to Jenna Johnson — Val’s wife and season 35 partner. Translation: “Thanks for not sinking the ship while I was in time-out, bestie.”
Alan, 32, had shared a heartfelt carousel honoring Jenna’s journey, and Val’s comment felt like that moment at a dinner party when the ex shows up uninvited but brings expensive wine. Classy? Sure. Calculated? Absolutely. Fans immediately started speculating what exactly earned Val the bench — producers stay tight-lipped, but the rumor mill says it wasn’t a wardrobe malfunction.
Social media erupted faster than a quickstep tempo. “The passive-aggressive energy is LEAPING off the screen,” tweeted @BallroomTea. Another stan account posted: “Alan held it down but we all know Val’s the main character.” Meanwhile, Jenna stayed beautifully silent — the ultimate power move when your husband and his rival are playing nice for the ‘gram.
Bersten reportedly crushed the fill-in gig, earning praise from judges and viewers alike. But let’s be real: nothing bonds two competitive dancers like one getting suspended and the other getting his spotlight moment. The bromance is giving “I’ll hold your crown while you sort out your drama” energy.
What do you think? A) Val’s comment was genuine gratitude from a secure king B) This was damage control served with a side of petty perfection