Maksim Chmerkovskiy Issues Urgent Apology to DWTS Colleague

BREAKING: Maksim Chmerkovskiy has publicly apologized to fellow Dancing with the Stars star Jan Ravnik following intense backlash over critical comments made during a recent podcast episode. This urgent development comes just days after Chmerkovskiy faced significant online criticism for remarks regarding Ravnik’s dancing skills.

In an emotional Instagram video posted on October 30, 2025, Chmerkovskiy expressed remorse for his earlier statements, saying, “I’m sorry, Jan has absolutely no business being a pro on Dancing with the Stars. There’s zero foundation, technique, quality, understanding of the partnership.” These comments were made on The Penthouse with Peta, hosted by his wife, Peta Murgatroyd.

Chmerkovskiy’s initial critique of Ravnik, who is notably part of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, sparked outrage among fans and the dance community, prompting the veteran choreographer to reconsider his words. “I want to apologize to Jan for the way my words hurt your feelings,” he added in the video. “I would love to meet, I would love to talk about this, bury the hatchet.”

In a candid moment, Chmerkovskiy reflected on how his straightforward nature sometimes leads to misunderstandings. “My commentary on dance does not come with feelings and emotions. It just comes with a completely different range of reasoning,” he stated, emphasizing his intent to clarify his perspective.

Chmerkovskiy also addressed the criticisms he has received regarding his own dancing credentials, acknowledging that his family members have achieved greater success on the show. “You can’t really hurt my feelings by saying, ‘Look at you, loser. You only won once,’” he remarked, demonstrating an understanding of public perception.

As of now, Jan Ravnik has not publicly responded to Chmerkovskiy’s apology. This developing story highlights the complexities of personal and professional relationships within the competitive realm of Dancing with the Stars.

The impact of Chmerkovskiy’s words underscores a critical moment for both dancers, as they navigate the pressures of public opinion and personal accountability. Fans are left wondering how this apology will influence their relationship moving forward.

This situation serves as a reminder of the power of words and the importance of empathy in the entertainment industry. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.