@hidden.home.revival: Val Chmerkovskiy Defends His Cornrows After Removing Them—Says Jenna Dewan Deserved the Spotlight Val Chmerkovskiy removed his cornrows before Dancing With the Stars’ “Mariah Carey Night.” But he says that decision wasn’t a rejection of the hairstyle. He wanted the attention on his partner, Jenna Dewan. The controversy began when Val posted TikTok videos showing himself getting braids at Sistah’s Beauty, a Black-owned salon in Los Angeles. He thanked the salon for caring for him and teaching him how to maintain the style. Other posts featured his new silk bonnet. Some followers criticized the look and accused him of cultural appropriation. Fellow contestant Ciara Miller also left a comment expressing frustration. By Tuesday’s broadcast, Val had removed the braids. He and Dewan performed a rumba to Carey’s “My All,” earning 24 out of 30. Afterward, Val defended his choice in an interview with Us Weekly. “I love the process of getting to know the importance of it, and I got to support a local Black business,” he said. “They did a fine job, and I’m proud of everything I did.” He also explained his decision to remove them in a reply to a supportive TikTok follower. “Today is about my partner and I didn’t want to distract from her moment and her dance,” he wrote. Val said he planned to return to the salon after the season. For that performance, he wanted the conversation centered on Dewan’s dancing—even as he continued to stand by the look. What do you think of Val’s explanation for removing the braids? #ValChmerkovskiy #DWTS #JennaDewan #DancingWithTheStars #MariahCareyNight

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Thursday 08 October 2026 14:00:00 GMT