In a move that stirred the long-standing dynamic between Dancing with the Stars legends, Derek Hough publicly backed new pro Jan Ravnik following sharp criticism from former pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy, highlighting an ongoing conversation about professional standards and perceived favoritism within the ballroom.
The ballroom floor of Dancing with the Stars recently saw more than just intricate footwork; it played host to a subtle but significant moment of solidarity when judge Derek Hough seemingly addressed a simmering controversy involving former pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Hough’s public praise for new professional dancer Jan Ravnik came after Chmerkovskiy’s critical comments about Ravnik’s qualifications went viral, sparking a fresh wave of discussion among fans and rekindling the long-held dynamic between two of the show’s most iconic figures.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s Candid Critique Ignites Discussion
The recent drama unfolded on October 24, 2025, when Maksim Chmerkovskiy, known for his outspoken nature, shared his strong opinions on Jan Ravnik’s presence on DWTS during an episode of The Penthouse with Peta podcast. Chmerkovskiy did not mince words, stating, “Jan has absolutely no business being a pro on Dancing With the Stars. There’s zero foundation, technique, quality, understanding of the partnership.” He clarified that his criticism wasn’t directed at Ravnik personally, but rather at the perceived lack of ballroom experience for a professional role, noting that Ravnik’s celebrity partner, Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jen Affleck, “has no partner” due to this deficiency.
In a quick and public response to the controversy, Ravnik and Affleck took to TikTok on October 27, 2025. Affleck posted a video of herself furiously typing on her phone during rehearsal, while Ravnik, wearing a mask due to the flu, lip-synced to an audio clip stating, “Take it down. Take it down. Take it down. We need it gone. That doesn’t represent me or what we need to be doing.” Text overlaid on the video declared, “Me when anyone talks trash about Jan,” clearly indicating their stance against Chmerkovskiy’s comments.
Despite the online stir and Derek Hough’s later intervention, Ravnik and Affleck continued to perform. On October 28, 2025, during the show’s “Halloween Night,” they delivered a contemporary routine set to Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do,” earning a respectable 32 out of 40 points. However, their journey on the show concluded that night as they were ultimately eliminated from the competition, as reported by Parade.
Derek Hough’s Public Defense: A Signature Move
It was on the same October 28, 2025 episode that Derek Hough, a revered figure and multi-time champion turned judge on DWTS, chose to address the situation directly. Without explicitly naming Chmerkovskiy, Hough offered a clear message of support for the new pro. “Jan, first of all, I want to tell you, my man, that you are doing a fantastic first season,” Hough said during the live broadcast, emphasizing, “Fantastic!”
Hough’s intervention is significant within the DWTS community. As a judge, his words carry weight, and his decision to publicly endorse Ravnik can be seen as a direct counter to Chmerkovskiy’s strong critique. This move not only boosted Ravnik’s morale but also subtly positioned Hough in a familiar role: advocating for fellow dancers and maintaining a certain decorum within the show’s professional ranks, often in contrast to Chmerkovskiy’s more provocative style.
A Decade of Dialogue: The Hough-Chmerkovskiy Narrative
The recent exchange between Hough and Chmerkovskiy is not an isolated incident but rather the latest chapter in a long-running, complex dynamic between the two ballroom stars. Their alleged rivalry dates back over a decade, marked by public statements and contrasting philosophies on competition and judging. One of the earliest notable clashes occurred in October 2011 when Chmerkovskiy had a heated exchange with then-judge Len Goodman over critiques of his partner, Hope Solo. Following the incident, Derek Hough made playful jabs, referencing Chmerkovskiy’s lack of a Mirror Ball trophy at the time, indicating an underlying competitive tension.
Despite public denials and attempts to show a united front, such as posing together for magazines, the perception of a rivalry persisted. Both dancers have achieved legendary status on DWTS, each with a distinct approach that has captivated audiences and fueled fan discussions for years.
Addressing Claims of Favoritism and “Rigged” Wins
A recurring theme in the history between Hough and Chmerkovskiy has been the debate surrounding perceived favoritism. In 2011, and again in 2016, Maksim Chmerkovskiy publicly suggested that Derek Hough had an unfair advantage due to being paired with consistently strong celebrity partners. On Good Morning America, Chmerkovskiy famously remarked, “if I had Nicole Scherzinger followed by Jennifer Grey followed by Ricki Lake, I probably would not be very upset with the judges either,” referring to Hough’s multiple wins at the time.
Derek Hough, for his part, has consistently refuted these claims, asserting that his victories were a result of hard work and dedication. In a 2016 interview with Us Weekly, Hough stated, “I’ve been very fortunate with partners. But it’s not rigged.” He further elaborated that he was sometimes given partners who seemed “more difficult,” but still managed to win. “Whatever somebody says about me, that’s a reflection on how they feel and how they are. I just say, ‘look, I’m putting in the work,'” Hough maintained, defending his record against any accusations of an uneven playing field.
The Fan Community Reacts: More Than Just Dance Scores
The recent exchange and its historical echoes resonate deeply within the Dancing with the Stars fan community. Enthusiasts often pick sides, dissecting every comment and performance. The TikTok response from Jan Ravnik and Jen Affleck itself was a direct appeal to this fan base, using a popular social media platform to engage with the sentiment of outrage and support. These public spats, while sometimes contentious, often serve to inject a dynamic energy into the show’s narrative, keeping long-time viewers invested beyond just the dance scores.
For many fans, the ongoing dialogue between figures like Derek Hough and Maksim Chmerkovskiy represents a clash of personalities and professional styles that has defined an era of DWTS. Hough, often seen as the consummate professional and diplomat, and Chmerkovskiy, the fiery, outspoken truth-teller, continue to shape the conversation around what it means to be a professional dancer and a competitive force in the glittering world of ballroom. Their interactions, whether direct or subtle, reinforce their legendary status and ensure their enduring impact on the show’s legacy.
