DWTS Pro Val Chmerkovskiy Stands by Cornrows Despite Social Media Backlash
Fashion

DWTS Pro Val Chmerkovskiy Stands by Cornrows Despite Social Media Backlash

By Sophie Laurent • • 3 min read

The dancer emphasized that he listens to concerns but also believes in

Val Chmerkovskiy, professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, defended his decision to wear cornrows after removing them ahead of a Mariah Carey-themed episode, saying he still loves the hairstyle despite mixed reactions online. The dancer shared his thoughts on Instagram following the performance night, addressing criticism from fans and fellow celebrities. His comments came shortly after he took out the braids for the special episode, which aired earlier in October. Chmerkovskiy explained that he initially got the cornrows as a personal style choice and felt connected to the look, even as some followers questioned its appropriateness. He acknowledged the feedback, including a comment from former Summer House star Ciara Miller, but maintained that his intention was never to offend.

The dancer emphasized that he listens to concerns but also believes in expressing himself through his appearance, especially outside of strict performance requirements. Why He Kept the Braids Before Taking Them Out Chmerkovskiy said he wore the cornrows during rehearsals and early promotional activities because they made him feel confident and represented his personal style. He noted that he often experiments with his hair and sees it as a form of self-expression, much like his dance routines. The decision to remove them before the Mariah Carey night was based on wanting to match the theme of the performance, not due to pressure from critics. He clarified that the change was practical, not a rejection of the style itself. How Did Fans React to the Hairstyle Debate Responses to Chmerkovskiy’s cornrows varied widely, with some supporters praising the look as bold and stylish, while others raised concerns about cultural sensitivity.

Ciara Miller was among those who voiced her opinion online

Ciara Miller was among those who voiced her opinion online, prompting the dancer to respond directly in his Instagram story. He thanked her for sharing her perspective and said he values open conversations, even when they are difficult. Chmerkovskiy stressed that he aims to learn from feedback without compromising his authenticity. What Does This Mean for His Future Style Choices Looking ahead, Chmerkovskiy indicated he will continue to wear hairstyles that resonate with him personally, while remaining mindful of how they are perceived. He said he plans to engage more thoughtfully with discussions around cultural expression, especially as a public figure. The dancer concluded that moments like this help him grow, both as an artist and as someone navigating public scrutiny. He remains committed to balancing self-expression with respect for others. Frequently Asked Questions Why did Val Chmerkovskiy remove his cornrows before the Mariah Carey night?

He removed them to better align with the theme of the performance, not because of criticism, and said the change was purely practical for that episode. Did Ciara Miller criticize Val Chmerkovskiy’s cornrows? Yes, Ciara Miller shared her opinion on the hairstyle online, which Chmerkovskiy acknowledged and responded to in a respectful manner on social media. Will Val Chmerkovskiy wear cornrows again in the future? He said he still loves the style and may wear it again when it feels right, emphasizing that his hair choices are part of his personal expression.

Content written by Sophie Laurent for perfect-routine.com editorial team, AI-assisted.

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