Jan Ravnik’s drama with Maks Chmerkovskiy has rocked the Dancing With the Stars fandom.
Maks criticized Jan’s first season on the show during an appearance on wife Peta Murgatroyd’s “The Penthouse With Peta” podcast.
“I’m sorry, Jan has absolutely no business being a pro on Dancing With the Stars,” Maks said on the October 24 episode. His comments were immediately met with widespread backlash.
Maks himself was a controversial figure on the show during his 17 years as a pro. He officially retired after season 25 in 2017. Jan, meanwhile, made his debut last month alongside celebrity partner Jen Affleck, who stars on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. (The duo were eliminated during the October 28 live show.)
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In the wake of Maks’ comments, Jan and several other DWTS pros — past and present — have weighed in on the drama.
“I had so much support from production,” Jan said during the DWTS “Official Podcast” on October 30 when discussing his experience on the show. “The pros are always there. They were always cheering me up. Everyone’s so nice. It’s like a small family. I felt supported.”
Keep scrolling for a complete of the Maks and Jan drama:
Shots Fired by Maks
Maks claimed that Jan has “zero foundation technique, quality, understanding of the partnership,” during his “The Penthouse With Peta” podcast appearance on October 24.
“I’m getting emotional,” he added. “It is absurd, and this is unreal how blind we have to be and God forbid say what’s obviously there.”
Maks continued, “How are you going to expect him to teach it and deliver that message in a format that is completely different from even ballroom dancing? We had this criticism weeks ago, and I’m like, ‘Bro, is anybody going to explain it to him?’”
Jan Subtly Reacts
Jen posted a TikTok with Jan on October 27 that was captioned: “Me When Anyone Talks Trash About Jan.”
The Hulu star was furiously typing on her phone in the clip before Jan stepped in and stopped her.
“Take it down. Take it down. Take it down. We need it gone,” Jan could be seen mouthing over a TikTok audio. “That doesn’t represent me or what we need to be doing.”
Derek Hough Appears to Step In
While the drama wasn’t acknowledged head-on during the DWTS live show on October 28, Derek praised Jan while judging the show.
“Jan, first of all,” he said. “I want to tell you, my man, that you are doing a fantastic first season.”
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Jan Addresses Haters
Following his elimination, Jan spoke with Us Weekly exclusively and addressed the drama.
“I mean, look, everyone has [an] opinion. Everyone has a right to have [an] opinion,” he said. “Haters [are] going to hate and whoever loves us, loves us.”
Val Steps In
Maks’ brother, Val Chmerkovskiy, addressed the situation following the DWTS live show on October 28.
“You don’t have to like what he said. I don’t have to agree with what he said. But I’m always going to stand up for him,” Val clarified. “Do I disagree with it? Yeah, completely. Do I think it’s hurtful for a current professional who is currently in the season to hear feedback like that? Of course, that’s incredibly hurtful.”
What Jenna Thinks
Maks’ sister-in-law, DWTS pro Jenna Johnson, shared her thoughts with Us exclusively on October 29.
“I think everyone is welcome to have their own opinion,” she said on the red carpet at Variety‘s Power of Women event. “I absolutely adore Jan.”
What Peta Thinks
Maks’ wife, Peta Murgatroyd, weighed in on the resulting drama on the October 31 episode of her “Penthouse With Peta” podcast.
“Some of our critiques came off more harshly than intended. I wanted to be really clear that was never the goal,” she said. “We never want to condone hate or personal attacks of any kind. We love Dancing With the Stars. It’s one of the best shows on television, and a show that has given me so much over the years.”
Murgatroyd continued, “Jan and Rylee, please know that our intention was never to make things personal. We’re so sorry for hurting your feelings. Our goal is to discuss performances from a professional ballroom dancer’s perspective, and, unfortunately, sometimes our passion can be mistaken for negativity — but that’s never where our hearts are.”
Maks Apologizes
In light of the resulting drama and backlash, Maks issued a response.
“I want to apologize to Jan for the way my words made you feel [and] for hurting your feelings,” he said in a social media video shared on October 30. “There’s a lot more that I wanted to say. I would like the opportunity to do it over coffee, or any kind of time you have to spare.”
Maks added that his dance feedback “doesn’t come with feelings and emotions.”
“It just comes with [a] completely different range of reasoning, and I’m that guy,” he stated. “I’m very honest and very black and white. It may be late in the game, but when I realize something about myself, I realize … because I finally understand that for myself.”
