Poor Aaron.
Karina Smirnoff says that her former Dancing with the Stars partner Aaron Carter is "doing great" as he deals with a tax evasion mess.
On Wednesday, it was revealed that Carter, 21, owes the IRS more than $1 million in back taxes.
"He's dealing with it as maturely and professionally as he can," Smirnoff told Usmagazine.com at Wednesday's Launch of the Behold II by Samsung event at Hollywood's Boulevard 3.
Smirnoff thinks Carter is getting a bad rap. "I don't see why he can be held responsible," she said. "He was a baby when all that [tax evasion] happened."
"But," the dancer admitted, "I'm not IRS and I guess that's the reason why I'm not. But, he's a great guy. I think he's doing an amazing job. Very proud of him!"
According to court documents, Carter owes more than $965,000 from 2003 alone. An additional $45,350.11 is also owed from income earned in 2006.
His manager Johnny Wright told Entertainment Tonight Wednesday, "It is unfortunate that while Aaron was a minor, his finances were grossly mismanaged by his previous team which has lead to the current situation of which he was unaware of until today."