In a powerful display of partnership, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Jen Affleck publicly shut down “slander” against her “Dancing with the Stars” partner Jan Ravnik, directly responding to Maks Chmerkovskiy’s viral critique that Ravnik had “no business” on the show, galvanizing support from fans and Swifties alike.
The glittery world of “Dancing with the Stars” is rarely without its drama, but a recent exchange between a current contestant and a former pro has ignited a passionate debate across social media. Jen Affleck, known for her role in “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” has fiercely come to the defense of her professional dance partner, Jan Ravnik, after a scathing critique from veteran DWTS pro Maks Chmerkovskiy.
This isn’t just a simple disagreement; it’s a clash between the show’s past and present, sparking conversations about technique, experience, and the very essence of what makes a DWTS pro. For fans, it’s a moment that highlights the emotional investment in their favorite couples and the show’s enduring legacy.
The Incident: Maks Chmerkovskiy’s Fiery Critique
The controversy began on Friday, October 24, 2025, during an episode of Peta Murgatroyd’s podcast, “The Penthouse with Peta.” Maks Chmerkovskiy, a formidable figure who competed for 17 seasons on DWTS and won Season 18, did not hold back when discussing Jan Ravnik’s performance from the show’s “Wicked Night.” His wife, Peta, offered a more tempered view, acknowledging Ravnik’s rookie status.
“He’s learning. He’s learning slowly. It’s his first season,” Murgatroyd, 39, stated, adding, “We have to give him grace for not understanding foxtrot technique. It’s very hard to watch.” Chmerkovskiy, however, quickly dismissed this sentiment. “No, we do not have to give him grace. Are you kidding me?” he retorted. His critique was sharp and emotional.
“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,” Chmerkovskiy, 45, declared, even admitting he was “getting emotional” over the matter. He went on to describe the situation as “absurd,” insisting that Ravnik “had no idea what [a] foxtrot is supposed to look like.” Despite his harsh words, he claimed to have nothing “against [Ravnik] whatsoever,” calling his casting a “missed opportunity,” as reported by People.
Jen Affleck’s TikTok Defense Goes Viral
On Monday, October 27, 2025, just days after Chmerkovskiy’s comments, Jen Affleck, 25, took to TikTok to issue a powerful, albeit indirect, rebuttal. In a video that quickly went viral, Affleck mimicked typing furiously on her phone between rehearsals with Ravnik, 30.
Ravnik, wearing a K95 mask, lip-synced to an audio clip: “Take it down. Take it down. Take it down. We need it gone. Take it down. That doesn’t represent me or what we need to be doing.” The text overlay on the video explicitly stated, “Me when anyone talks trash about Jan.”
Affleck cemented her stance in the caption, writing, “We don’t tolerate Jan slander in this house !! @Jan Ravnik @Dancing with the Stars #DWTS.” This clear message resonated deeply with fans, sparking a wave of support for Ravnik and drawing sharp criticism towards Chmerkovskiy.
The Heart of the Debate: Foxtrot Technique and Pro Qualifications
Chmerkovskiy’s primary contention revolved around Ravnik’s understanding and execution of foxtrot technique. As a seasoned ballroom dancer and a DWTS champion, his perspective comes from a place of deep-rooted traditional ballroom standards. However, Ravnik’s background as a backup dancer for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour hints at a different skill set—one that emphasizes performance, energy, and contemporary movement, which might clash with strict ballroom conventions.
This debate touches on a larger question within the DWTS community: what defines a “qualified” pro? Is it purely classical ballroom technique, or does the show also embrace performers with broader dance experience who can bring fresh energy and a different teaching style to the celebrity contestants?
Jan Ravnik’s Background: The Eras Tour Connection
A significant factor in the fan response to this controversy is Jan Ravnik’s previous work. Before joining “Dancing with the Stars” for its 34th season, Ravnik gained considerable recognition as one of Taylor Swift’s backup dancers on her globally successful Eras Tour. This connection immediately endeared him to a massive fanbase, specifically the “Swifties.”
His role on the Eras Tour highlighted his contemporary dance skills, stage presence, and ability to engage with an audience on a grand scale. While these qualities are invaluable for entertainment, they may not align perfectly with the precise footwork and posture demanded by traditional ballroom styles like the foxtrot, as Chmerkovskiy pointed out.
Fan Community Rallies: Swifties and DWTS Enthusiasts Respond
The online reaction to Affleck’s TikTok and Chmerkovskiy’s comments was swift and overwhelming. Fans flocked to support Ravnik, many perceiving Chmerkovskiy’s critique as overly harsh or even motivated by jealousy. Comments on Affleck’s TikTok video, as noted by TV Insider, reflected this sentiment:
- “Jan has become my new favourite pro. Maks is bitter.”
- “Maks was literally giving jealous ex-pro vibes. Jan is a king.”
- “Who cares about Maks and Peta? They are old news.”
- “I do not think the hater realized that Jan has an army of Swifties backing him up.”
The collective power of Ravnik’s existing fanbase, combined with new support from DWTS viewers, demonstrates the significant impact public opinion can have on reality competition shows. The outpouring of positive comments underscores the fan community’s desire to see new talent thrive and to challenge what they perceive as unfair criticism.
Looking Ahead: The Future on DWTS
Despite the online furor, Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik appear to be focusing on their performances. Their continued presence on “Dancing with the Stars,” which airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, shows resilience in the face of controversy. This incident has not only highlighted the intense scrutiny faced by newcomers on the show but also solidified the bond between celebrity and pro, a dynamic essential to DWTS’s enduring appeal.
For fans, this moment serves as a reminder that beyond the choreographed routines and dazzling costumes, the show is also about the personal journeys, growth, and unwavering support that define true partnership on the dance floor.
