Jan Ravnik Responds to Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s DWTS Criticism; Val Labels Remarks ‘Hurtful’

In a recent episode of Dancing with the Stars, professional dancer Jan Ravnik addressed the criticism he received from former pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy. The controversy arose after Jan, partnering with celebrity Jen Affleck, faced elimination following their performance on Halloween night.

Val Chmerkovskiy’s Support

Val Chmerkovskiy, Maksim’s brother and a current contestant, voiced his support for Jan, referring to him as his best friend. Val acknowledged the harshness of Maksim’s comments, which suggested Jan had “no business” being a professional dancer on the show.

Jan’s Reaction to Criticism

After the elimination, Jan expressed his feelings about the negative feedback. He stated, “I received so much love from the judges and fellow contestants.” He emphasized the importance of remaining positive despite the critical remarks from some viewers.

Jen Affleck, who partnered with Jan, humorously defended him by joking about being ready to confront Maksim’s criticisms. She added that the negativity surrounding Jan was unwarranted.

Judges’ Feedback

During their performance, Jan and Jen earned a score of 32 out of 40, reflecting a solid effort. Judge Derek Hough praised Jan’s performance, stating it was a commendable first season for him.

Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s Controversial Comments

Maksim discussed Jan’s performance on his wife Peta Murgatroyd’s podcast, The Penthouse With Peta. He expressed strong opinions about Jan’s dancing ability, citing a lack of foundational techniques and skills. Peta echoed Maksim’s sentiments, highlighting Jen’s disadvantage due to the situation.

Challenges of Competition

Jan acknowledged the emotional toll that constant criticism can have on participants. He noted the difficulty of balancing pride in one’s performance while facing negative commentary. According to him, the environment can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers.

• Event: Jan Ravnik and Jen Affleck’s elimination from DWTS
• Performance: Foxtrot to Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do”
• Performance Score: 32/40 (8s across the board)
• Maksim’s Comments Date: October 24

In conclusion, while Jan faced significant criticism, he remained focused on the support he received from his colleagues. The journey of a new professional in the competitive world of dancing continues to be a challenge, particularly amidst the spotlight of public opinion.