Maksim Chmerkovskiy apologizes over Jan Ravnik DWTS casting comments

Former Dancing With the Stars professional Maksim Chmerkovskiy on Thursday issued a public apology to newcomer Jan Ravnik after criticizing the dancer’s casting on the ABC competition series earlier in the week. Chmerkovskiy had said on his wife’s podcast on Oct. 24 that Ravnik lacked the foundation and technique to serve as a Dwts professional, and he later asked to meet Ravnik in person to discuss the matter and “bury the hatchet.”

Chmerkovskiy’s initial comments questioned whether Ravnik, who performed as a backup dancer on a global pop tour before joining Season 34, had the ballroom training and teaching experience required to coach a celebrity partner. Speaking on the podcast, Chmerkovskiy said, “Jan has absolutely no business being a pro on Dancing With the Stars,” and singled out a foxtrot-themed routine for criticism, saying Ravnik “had no idea what foxtrot is supposed to look like.” His wife, Peta Murgatroyd, added that Ravnik’s high-profile tour work likely influenced his hiring.

Ravnik and his celebrity partner, Jen Affleck, were eliminated on the Oct. 28 live show after performing a Halloween-themed routine. Affleck posted a lighthearted TikTok clip during the week...