Brief

Jenna Dewan’s fiancé Steve Kazoo defends her DWTS chemistry after fan criticism

Kazoo brushed off remarks that Dewan’s on‑stage chemistry with Val Chmerkovskiy was inappropriate, while judges and fans weighed in.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:10 GMT

Jenna Dewan and her Dancing With the Stars partner Val Chmerkovskiy sparked online debate after their rumba on the Mariah Carey‑themed episode, prompting fiancé Steve Kazoo to comment.

What happened

The ABC reality competition aired a Mariah Carey‑themed episode in which Dewan and Chmerkovskiy performed a rumba to “My All,” receiving a 24‑out of‑30 score from the judges. A blogger posted an Instagram clip suggesting Dewan was “a bit too touchy” during the post‑dance interview.

What the reports add

According to the Independent, Kazoo replied, “They don’t have chemistry. They have too much chemistry. They have chemistry in the wrong place. Make up your minds,” before adding, “Y’all really got too much time on your hands. The spouses are unbothered. Stay hatin.” He later wrote, “Also put some respect on my queen’s name and at least pronounce her name correctly when you try to slander her.” DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inaba also weighed in, urging respect for both Dewan and Chmerkovskiy and their partners.

What was said

Kazoo’s comments were reported by the Independent. Inaba told Entertainment Weekly that ballroom dancing differs from Dewan’s jazz and hip‑hop background, noting the difficulty of “un‑training the body.”

How it came about

Dewan, 45, began as a backup dancer for Janet Jackson and later appeared in Step Up with Channing Tatum. She has been engaged to Kazoo since 2020 and they share two children. Chmerkovskiy is married to former DWTS contestant Jenna Johnson. Dewan and Chmerkovskiy advanced to the next round and will return for week five.

Key facts

• Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy scored 24 out of 30 for their rumba on DWTS. (independent.co.uk)
• Steve Kazoo defended Dewan, saying critics have "too much time on their hands." (independent.co.uk)
• DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inaba urged respect for both dancers and their partners. (independent.co.uk)

Sources

• [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Jenna Dewan’s fiancé responds to fans saying she’s been ‘touchy’ with DWTS partner”