After his surprising Dancing With the Stars elimination, pro Jan Ravnik offered a terse “no comment” to former pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s scathing critique of his qualifications, instead choosing to focus on positivity and subtly call out “haters trying to stay relevant,” reigniting the long-standing debate within the fan community about what truly makes a DWTS pro.
The ballroom of Dancing With the Stars has always been a stage for dazzling performances and spirited competition. However, this season, it also became the setting for a heated debate about professional qualifications and the evolving nature of the show’s casting. Following his elimination on Halloween Night, rookie pro Jan Ravnik, partnered with Jen Affleck, directly addressed the vocal criticisms launched by veteran pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy, opting for a message of love over engaging with what he perceived as negativity.
The Chmerkovskiy Gauntlet: A Veteran’s Harsh Critique
The controversy began on Friday, October 24, 2025, when Maksim Chmerkovskiy, a former DWTS pro with 17 seasons and one mirrorball trophy under his belt, unleashed a strong critique of Ravnik’s presence on the show. Speaking on his wife Peta Murgatroyd’s podcast, “The Penthouse with Peta,” Chmerkovskiy did not mince words about the 30-year-old freshman pro. He claimed Ravnik had “absolutely no business being a pro on Dancing with the Stars,” citing a complete lack of “zero foundation, technique, quality, understanding of the partnership.”
Chmerkovskiy expressed his frustration, stating, “It is absurd,” and questioned how the show could be “blind” to such perceived deficiencies, particularly noting Ravnik’s apparent lack of understanding of foxtrot technique. His wife, Peta Murgatroyd, 39, further fueled the discussion, pointing to Ravnik’s background as a backup dancer for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour as the “obvious reason why he is hired,” and labeling the decision to hire a non-ballroom dancer to teach ballroom as “outrageous.” Fans can review the full discussion from the podcast on YouTube, providing direct insight into their remarks here.
Ravnik’s Measured Response: Choosing Positivity Over Provocation
Just days after Chmerkovskiy’s comments, Jan Ravnik and Jen Affleck, 26, faced elimination from the competition on Tuesday, October 28. When questioned about Chmerkovskiy’s remarks during an interview with Entertainment Tonight following his final performance, Ravnik remained composed. “I have no comment on that,” he stated, choosing not to directly engage with the criticism. Instead, he highlighted the positive reception he received within the show’s ecosystem.
Ravnik emphasized the overwhelming support: “Look, I got all the love on this show. All the praise from the judges also, like everyone gave me so much love.” His message extended to those outside the show, implicitly referring to Chmerkovskiy and other critics: “Whoever is saying, outside, the people who [are] trying to stay relevant and spreading the hate, this is not a way to do it. And I never will spread or take the hate.” He accompanied this statement with a gesture indicating “in one ear and out the other,” solidifying his stance against negativity.
The Fan Community Weighs In: Ballroom Purity vs. Modern Appeal
The debate surrounding Ravnik’s casting and subsequent performance touches upon a long-standing tension within the DWTS fan community: the balance between traditional ballroom expertise and the show’s desire for broader pop culture appeal. While veterans like Chmerkovskiy advocate for strict adherence to ballroom fundamentals, the show frequently casts professionals with diverse dance backgrounds, often leveraging their celebrity connections (like Ravnik’s association with Taylor Swift) to attract viewers.
This discussion sparks various questions among enthusiasts:
- Does the show prioritize established ballroom technique or commercial marketability in its casting?
- How much “grace” should new pros be given when transitioning to a different dance style?
- Do former pros, like Chmerkovskiy, have a responsibility to mentor new talent rather than critique them publicly?
These points form the core of continuous dialogue among dedicated fans, who often find themselves split between honoring the integrity of ballroom dance and embracing the entertainment spectacle of the competition.
A Unified Front: Affleck’s Stand and the Power of ‘Look What You Made Me Do’
Throughout the season, Jan Ravnik and Jen Affleck faced considerable doubt and negativity. Affleck, addressing their journey after elimination, expressed her determination to “prove everyone wrong.” She drew inspiration from Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do,” explaining that she “used her haters to fuel her,” much like the song’s narrative. Their final performance, a contemporary dance set to Swift’s hit, was a powerful testament to this resolve, with Ravnik calling it Affleck’s “best performance” yet.
Ravnik concluded his time on the show on a positive note, expressing gratitude for his partner and the entire DWTS experience. “I was first worried who’s going to be my partner, and I got the best partner in the show,” he shared, referring to Affleck. He lauded the supportive environment, from contestants to production to fellow pros, calling it a “great experience” filled with “a lot of love inside the show.” Further insight into Ravnik’s perspective on these “haters” can be found in his comments to Us Weekly, where he elaborated, “Haters [are] going to hate and whoever loves us, loves us.”
The Enduring Legacy of DWTS Debates
The exchange between Ravnik and Chmerkovskiy is not an isolated incident but rather a continuation of the dynamic discourse that often accompanies Dancing With the Stars. The show, airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, constantly navigates the line between competitive sport and entertainment. This ongoing tension, fueled by passionate pros and dedicated fans alike, ensures that DWTS remains a vibrant and endlessly discussed staple of television.
