Maksim Chmerkovskiy is extending an olive branch. The former “Dancing With the Stars” pro publicly apologized to Jan Ravnik after facing backlash for calling the dancer “no business” on the ABC competition show.
In a heartfelt Instagram video, the 45-year-old addressed Ravnik directly, expressing regret and a desire to make peace. “First and foremost, I want to apologize to Jan for the way my words made you feel—for hurting your feelings,” Maksim said.
“There’s a lot more that I want to say. I would like an opportunity to do it over coffee or any other time you have to spare. I would love to meet, I would love to talk about this, you know, bury the hatchet.”
The Remarks That Didn’t Go Well With DWTS Fans
(Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)The controversy began when Chmerkovskiy made critical comments about Ravnik on “The Penthouse With Peta,” his wife Peta Murgatroyd’s podcast. He claimed that Ravnik, who rose to fame as one of Taylor Swift’s dancers, lacked “foundation technique, quality, and understanding of the partnership,” suggesting that Ravnik’s celebrity partner, Jen Affleck, was at a disadvantage.
The remarks drew swift backlash, including from Maksim’s brother and fellow “DWTS” pro, Val Chmerkovskiy, who called the critique “incredibly hurtful.”
Maksim’s Apology
In his video, Chmerkovskiy clarified that his original comments were meant as technical observations, not personal attacks. “My commentary on dance does not come with feelings or emotions. It’s a completely different range of reasoning,” he explained. “I will tell it like it is. I’m very black and white.”
He admitted that his blunt delivery may have come across as insensitive and added that he does not want the situation to “become personal.” Addressing online critics, he noted that he is well aware of his own record on “DWTS.” “Look at you, loser, you only won once—yeah, I know that more than anybody else,” he said with a smile.
A Moment of Growth
Chmerkovskiy also reflected on his reputation as outspoken and, at times, temperamental. “I’ve made incredible mistakes with my partners… It was a horrible situation a few times,” he said. “I’m 45, I have kids, I try to only lead by example.”
He ended his message with a plea for civility. “Please don’t come at me with how many times I won or lost. Let’s not defend someone by attacking somebody else.”
Jan Ravnik, who was sent home this week alongside his celebrity partner Jen Affleck, has not directly commented on Chmerkovskiy’s critique. Instead, he’s choosing gratitude over drama, reflecting on the support he received throughout the competition.
ABC“I’m a person who doesn’t appreciate hate,” he told E! News following his October 28 exit. “Or people who are spreading hate to stay relevant.”
Ravnik said he was especially touched by judge Derek Hough’s encouraging words, calling his first season “fantastic.” “It felt great,” he shared. “Hearing that from Derek meant so much. I love accepting love, and I have so much respect for him.”
