Maks Chmerkovskiy Apologizes to Jan Ravnik After Harsh Podcast Remarks, Admitting to “Loss of Temper” with Past Dance Partners
Maks Chmerkovskiy is taking responsibility for words that went too far. The Dancing with the Stars pro, known for his bold personality and fiery opinions, issued a public apology to fellow dancer Jan Ravnik after criticizing his performance and credibility on his wife Peta Murgatroyd’s podcast, The Penthouse with Peta.
It started with a moment that quickly spiraled. On the October 24 episode, Maks bluntly stated, “Jan has absolutely no business being a pro on Dancing with the Stars. There’s zero foundation, technique, quality, understanding of the partnership.” Within hours, clips of the comment circulated online, sparking backlash from fans who called it disrespectful and unnecessarily personal. Ravnik, who rose to fame as one of Taylor Swift’s backup dancers on The Eras Tour, had only just joined DWTS and was known for his vibrant stage energy and humility.
Maks, no stranger to controversy, decided not to let this one linger. Just days later, he recorded a video message addressed directly to Ravnik and the show’s community. “First and foremost, I want to apologize to Jan,” he said. “For the way my words made you feel, for hurting your feelings — that was never my intention.” He admitted his delivery was too harsh, acknowledging that his long history with the show sometimes makes him too emotionally invested. “I’ve had my own loss of temper in the past,” he said, “and I know what it feels like when words go too far.”
In that moment, fans saw a different side of Maks — a softer, reflective tone replacing his usual unapologetic confidence. He even offered to meet Ravnik in person for a conversation, saying he’d “love to bury the hatchet.” It was an unexpected gesture from someone who has spent years being the outspoken “bad boy” of ballroom television.
Jan Ravnik, for his part, handled the situation with remarkable grace. After being eliminated from the show alongside his celebrity partner, he briefly addressed the tension in an interview. “I got all the love on this show,” he said. “People who are spreading hate — that’s not the way to stay relevant.” His calm and mature response only elevated the respect fans already had for him, and many commended both men for de-escalating the situation publicly.
For Maks, this apology represents more than a single dispute — it’s a chance to grow beyond his reputation. Over the years, he’s been known for his intense passion for dance and perfection, but also for clashes with partners and judges. By owning his words and showing humility, he’s reminding fans that growth doesn’t stop with fame.
This entire situation also reveals something about the DWTS family dynamic. Behind the glitter, costumes, and choreography are artists who deal with pressure, ego, and emotion. They compete, collaborate, and sometimes clash — but moments like this show that empathy still exists in an industry fueled by performance. Maks’s admission of temper and his willingness to reflect publicly is something rare in celebrity culture — a reminder that even professionals can learn, evolve, and apologize.
At the end of the day, Maks Chmerkovskiy’s apology isn’t just about Jan Ravnik. It’s about learning how to be both passionate and kind — a lesson that resonates far beyond the dance floor.
