Maks Chmerkovskiy, a former ‘Dancing with the Stars’ professional, has publicly apologized to current pro Jan Ravnik for his critical comments about Ravnik’s dancing skills and invited him to meet in person to resolve their differences. The apology, issued on October 30, 2025, via Instagram, marks a significant step in mending a public feud that began days earlier.
Chmerkovskiy’s initial criticism came during an October 24 episode of ‘The Penthouse with Peta,’ a podcast hosted by his wife, Peta Murgatroyd. He stated that Ravnik had ‘no business being a pro on Dancing with the Stars,’ citing a lack of foundation, technique, and understanding of partnership in ballroom dance. These remarks quickly drew backlash from fans and viewers of the show, who defended Ravnik’s performance and casting.
In response, Ravnik addressed the situation on October 28, telling Entertainment Tonight that he had ‘no comment’ on Chmerkovskiy’s words but emphasized that he doesn’t appreciate hate or those ‘trying to stay relevant’ by spreading negativity. He highlighted the love and praise he has received from judges and the show’s community, underscoring his focus on positive engagement.
The apology video, posted by Chmerkovskiy on Instagram, began with a direct address to Ravnik: ‘First and foremost, I want to apologize to Jan for the way my words hurt your feelings.’ He expressed a desire to meet over coffee or any available time to ‘bury the hatchet’ and potentially become friends, aiming to change Ravnik’s perception of the situation through personal interaction.
Chmerkovskiy explained that his critical commentary on dance is not personal but stems from his personality, where he ‘tells it like it is’ without emotional bias. He acknowledged that this approach can be misinterpreted and reiterated his wish to clarify his intentions in a one-on-one setting. Additionally, he reflected on his own career, admitting to past errors and a ‘loss of temper’ with partners during his 17 seasons on DWTS.
Addressing his critics, Chmerkovskiy noted that public opinion has always been a challenge for him, as he fundamentally doesn’t care about votes or perception, which may have contributed to his controversial stance. He owned up to making ‘incredible mistakes’ and now strives to ‘lead by example,’ hoping to learn from his experiences and avoid similar conflicts in the future.
As of now, Ravnik has not publicly responded to the apology, leaving the door open for a potential reconciliation. The incident highlights the pressures of public figures in the entertainment industry and the importance of addressing disputes constructively. Fans and observers await any further developments, which could influence dynamics on future episodes of ‘Dancing with the Stars.’