Val Chmerkovskiy is speaking out following Sasha Farber‘s shocking departure from Dancing With The Stars.
The three-time mirrorball champion reacted to his fellow pro being cut while being interviewed by Us Weekly on the VMAs red carpet on Sunday, Sept. 7.
“It’s not personal,” Chmerkovskiy said. “It’s the nature of this business.”
He conceded, however, that “it’s personal for anybody who’s invested” in the show and the dancers. Along with Farber, Chmerkovskiy’s sister-in-law Peta Murgatroyd will not be on season 34 after previously expressing interest in coming back to the show.
RELATED: Sasha Farber Breaks Silence After Being Cut From ‘DWTS’ Season 34
“The way I’m speaking about Dancing with the Stars [is] the same way they feel about that sort of stuff,” Chmerkovskiy continued, having explained to the outlet the “gravity” of still being on the show as it approaches its 20th anniversary season.
He concluded, “So it definitely hurts,” saying that “breakups happen in life” and the show must go on.
The full cast of celebrities and their professional partners was revealed on the Wednesday, Sept. 3 episode of Good Morning America. Chmerkovskiy will be partnered with social media influencer Alix Earle for the upcoming season.
RELATED: ‘DWTS’ Fans Are Heartbroken That Sasha Farber Won’t Be Back for Season 34
For his part, Farber expressed excitement for the season and cheered on his former cast mates despite not being asked to participate.
“Guys, the Dancing with the Stars cast announcement was today. Wow, so many good names. Who are you going to vote for? I mean, I know who I’m going to vote for. I know who you’re not going to vote for — That’s me.” he said during a video posted to his Instagram Story Sept. 3.
“But that’s okay. You know what? Thank you all so much for all your incredible messages. I read them all, I see it all, I adore you, I definitely don’t deserve you because you guys are amazing. I love you, thank you so much,” he continued. “And this is going to be quite a season because there’s so many [frontrunners]. Like, who’s going to win? Anyone could win. This is going to be great, and I can’t wait to cheer. Love you all.”
Farber was a professional dancer on seasons 17, 22-24, and 26-33. He was on the dance troupe from seasons 13-16, 18-21, and 25 but will not be returning to it this season. Farber has been in the finals four times with his celebrity partners, but has never won the Mirrorball Trophy.
Dancing With The Stars premieres Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 8, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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