Full Breakdown
Maksim Chmerkovskiy Issues Apology to Jan Ravnik Amid Controversy
10/31/2025, 11:40:23 AM
Background of the Controversy
Maksim Chmerkovskiy, a former professional dancer on *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS), faced backlash after criticizing current pro Jan Ravnik's abilities during an episode of his wife Peta Murgatroyd's podcast, *The Penthouse With Peta*. Chmerkovskiy claimed that Ravnik, who gained fame as a dancer for Taylor Swift, had "no business" being a professional dancer on the show, citing a lack of foundational technique and understanding of partnership. His remarks suggested that Ravnik's celebrity partner, Jennifer Affleck, was at a "major disadvantage."
Maksim's Apology
On October 30, 2025, Chmerkovskiy issued a public apology via Instagram, expressing regret for the hurt his comments caused Ravnik. He stated, “First and foremost, I want to apologize to Jan for the way my words made you feel—for hurting your feelings.” He extended an invitation to meet in person, saying, “I would love to talk about this, you know, bury the hatchet.” Chmerkovskiy emphasized that his critique was intended as a technical analysis rather than a personal attack, explaining, “My commentary on dance does not come with feelings or emotions.”
Criticism and Support
Chmerkovskiy's comments were met with significant backlash from fans and fellow dancers, including his brother Val Chmerkovskiy, who described the remarks as "incredibly hurtful." Val expressed his support for Ravnik, stating, “You don’t have to like what he said... but I’m always going to stand up for him.” Despite the criticism, Ravnik has not publicly responded to Chmerkovskiy’s remarks but has maintained a positive outlook, stating, “Haters going to hate and whoever loves us, loves us.”
Chmerkovskiy's Reflection on Public Perception
In his apology, Chmerkovskiy reflected on his history with public perception, admitting that he has struggled with how he is viewed by audiences. He acknowledged his past mistakes, including losing his temper during performances, and stated, “I’ve made incredible mistakes with my partners... it was a horrible situation a few times.” He noted that his blunt personality often leads to misunderstandings and that he does not care about public opinion, saying, “Fundamentally, I don’t care, and I lead with that.”
Conclusion
The incident highlights the fine line between critique and personal attack in the competitive world of dance. As both Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Jan Ravnik navigate their careers, the situation underscores the challenges faced by public figures in managing their reputations while engaging in honest discourse about performance. While Chmerkovskiy has sought to mend fences, Ravnik continues to focus on the support he has received from his peers during his first season on DWTS.
