Alan Bersten Replaces Suspended Val On DWTS Dedication Night

"Dancing With The Stars" addressed pro Val Chmerkovskiy's absence during its Oct 20 episode by noting his partner Jenna Dewan danced with Alan Bersten. Ribeiro explained that Bersten filled in after Chmerkovskiy was suspended for referencing Will Smith's Oscars slap incident regarding judge Carrie Ann Inaba and her wife Jenna Johnson. During the performance of "Unchained Melody," Bersten expressed honor at stepping into the role while they prepared a Viennese waltz dedicated to Dewan's mother.