Exclusive: DWTS' Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Derek Hough "Hate Each Other"
It's war behind the scenes at Dancing With the Stars!
Though DWTS fans may have dismissed Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Derek Hough's testy public back-and-forth as simply a heated rivalry, the new issue of Us Weekly (out Friday) reveals what's really at the root of their bad blood.
"They hate each other," a DWTS insider tells Us of Chmerkovskiy, 31, and Hough, 26, who had it out after Chmerkovskiy's on-air spat with DWTS judge Len Goodman. (When the veteran judge slammed his and Hope Solo's routine, Chmerkovskiy lashed out and urged the crusty Brit to retire and called the ABC series "my show.")
VIDEO: Why Maks really lashed out at Len
"I had a laugh about that [comment]," three-time winner Hough told Us later. Referring to a nameplate on set that lists past champs (Chmerkovskiy is not one of them), Hough said, "I was looking at the plaque upstairs and…well, never mind."
Hough's recent snide retort is just the latest in the pros' lengthy feud.
PHOTOS: Meet the cast of DWTS' 13th season
"The professional dance community is really small. The dancers have known one another their entire lives," says a source close to the show. "Now that the group is famous, it's added a whole other level of rivalry and competitiveness."
Adding fuel to the fire between the men? Hough's sister, fellow dancer Julianne, who briefly dated Chmerkovskiy.
"Julianne told Maks she didn't want to have a serious relationship," says a source close to the show. Soon after, the Footloose star started seeing Ryan Seacrest -- and a bitter Chmerkovskiy, says the source, retaliated by "planting false rumors that Julianne was cheating on Ryan with Maks."
The DWTS insider counters that Chmerkovskiy is no rumormonger and, in fact, Hough isn't the nice guy he seems.
VIDEO: Derek's partner Ricki Lake dishes on their practice sessions
"Derek is dating Lauren Conrad for publicity," says the insider of his romance with the Hills star. "He is focused on becoming a huge star like Julianne."
For more on the pros' fiery feud -- including how it has divided the rest of the DWTS cast -- pick up the new issue of Us Weekly, out Friday!
Tell Us What You Think
25Just stumbled onto this story right after I saw a picture on Maks twitter feed of him hanging out with Derek Hough. LIe much US??
Maybe, if the voting was fair Maks would actually win a season. I had the same issue last night that many people were complaining about when he was dancing with Brandy which is not being allowed to use all 5 votes. I was only able to vote ONCE from a land line. When I pushed redial to vote again, the recording stated that 'the poll was closed for my time zone and to vote online'. How could the poll be closed for my time zone when I was able to vote just seconds before AND the show was still on the air with 30 minutes to go? If the Producers insist on deciding who is going to win that tacky MBT, then I wish they would stop patronizing the viewers by making us think that our votes actually matter, especially when we can't vote!
As with any show that has been on awhile, I think adding as many reasons to watch insures viewers. A feud, a split into the X vs Y, judges being partial to a certain dancer....all means to insure people will tune in to see the drama! I can't say there may not be some jealousy between any two people going up against each other, but they would not do this on a program without an okay from the powers that be. It's television....no big deal! Just entertainment.
Even though I think Maks had a valid point,I've noticed a different Maks. He seems bitter and unhappy. I don't know if anybody remembers when he and dancer Karina Smirnoff were dating then engaged. He appeared to be on top of the world, so happy talking about being in love and their impending marriage.I don't know happened but they broke the whole thing off. Maks appeared to be really down and brokenhearted, and if you notice, there doesn't ever seem to be any interaction between the two. He just doesn't seem to be the same ever since then. Maybe this is why he isn't very nice to his partners and can't get it together enough to actually win.As for Derek, he seems to have shot to the forefront only after his sister Julianne left the show,though I must admit, he really has stepped his game up and is pushing Maks right out of the spotlight. Mak's little brother is really trying his best to outshine everybody as well. Watch Out !
Maks has his stupid Russian character ,manners and attitude, he is a very bad teacher, did u c that episode when Maks had some injury and some other guy was Hopes teacher(she said it was so easy to dance with him),Derek got his education in England , he is focused to learn , he has his goals, he is the best ....
I think everyone needs to regroup and get over it. Derek, Mark and Mak have always been my favorites. I was so happy when Derek came back. I don't live where I could go and watch them so tv is my only option. Yes, everyone of them are there to show their talents and hopefully get famous. That's a given. I hope Derek becomes the Fred Astaire of today. He deserves it for his seamless moves and creative choreography. Mak just has a different personality and he's frustrated. He has had a tough one. You can't teach passion and femininity. She's adorable but not a winner in this event. I think it's time Mak takes a time out and no please don't punish Ricki Lake for other folks behaviors. Just vote for the best dancers and then the show will keep it's integrity otherwise it's going to loose the varied fan base it has along with the ratings.
One of the reasons i watch th show is t see Maks,he is very sexy and talented.Derek has a long way to go to reach te sex appeal of Maks!!!
Derek is a good dancer but very cocky and thinks very highly of himself!!! I agree that if Maks would have been given some of the same partners that Derek has received things would be different. I have always wondered who pairs thepros with the celebrities??? Grow up Derek!!! I think you are fame hungry!
Maks gets the worst partners and spoiled little Derek gets the good ones. Derek is a punk
I love these "insiders" who make comments but are protected by magazines.
i have a hard time believing this article. think 'the insider' and the mag are just trying to create drama so ppl will tune into the show.
I think both Ballas and Derek provides the best performances and choreography, Maks has become to cocky for his own good; his dancing seems tired in the group shows, like he lost interst in the show. He still rolls is eyes at the judges comments even when they are good. Solo is gorgeous but she is stiff as a broom. Derek always provides great pros duets, Maks is just to egocentric.
i don't believe this article. Max is a bad teacher, his routines were bad and boring. He is rude to Hope and makes her feel insecure. He is so full of himself. I can't stand him. Get over yourself. Go Derek. Kick his butt, stupid Maks.
If Derek's intention is fame he's dating the wrong girl.
I'm with Maks.
Max has had some good partners,,,Mel B was a fabulous dancer and so was Kirstie Alley..She was 60 years old and overweight and she danced great, She kept up with the younger contestants. It's just a silly dance competion for entertainment, this article sounds so catty and inmature.
Well, after the way that a PR friend of Maksims' went after Ricki Lake on twitter last night, it is hard not to believe this article.
I stopped watching, tired of the the slop the show has become. Derek is not as good as he thinks, he is an egotistical brat thinking life owes him a big one. Maybe everyone should vote out him and Ricki next week and put a real stunner in place.
I am agree with Maks, he always gets the crappy partners and the judges aren't nice to him. Derek needs to come back to reality.
I really like Derek before this. He needs to be brought down a few pegs. Maybe he needs to start getting the partners that Maks get and Maks get his. I think Derek would see a whole new side of DWTS. He is the one with the golden spoon. Glad Cherly Cole dumped him!!!