Maksim Chmerkovskiy vs. Len Goodman: Dancing With the Stars Pros Take Sides
Credit: Craig Barritt/Getty; Frederick M. Brown/Getty
It's been two days since Maksim Chmerkovskiy sent shock waves through the Dancing With the Stars set after exploding at head judge Len Goodman over a "disrespectful" critique, and the show's pros are taking sides.
"I've been in this business for 50 years," Goodman argued after declaring Chmerkovskiy's rumba with soccer star Hope Solo their "worst dance of the season."
VIDEO: Watch their fiery exchange
"Then maybe it's time to go!" Chmerkovskiy barked back amid their verbal battle.
Going on to declare DWTS "my show," and arguing that he "helped make it what it is," Chmerkovskiy later explained himself to The Hollywood Reporter. "Len is the only one who comes from a ballroom background, and I really respect his opinion," he said. "I've danced for 27 years, and I've won more titles than Len ever even participated in."
VIDEO: Maks compares being partners with Hope to being partners with Kirstie Alley
Read on for what Chmerkovskiy's costars and colleagues have to say -- and if they're on Team Maks or Team Len:
Derek Hough, partnered with Ricki Lake: "As a seasoned professional, [he] should know not to do that. There's a certain amount of self control you should have. Last week, I knew going in it wasn't going to be our best dance. I don't get upset about it, I expect it and then I take it with grace and move on.
Lacey Schwimmer, just eliminated with partner Chaz Bono: "Regardless of what Maks said, and if he hurt people's feelings, he had the courage to stand up for his partner, and I think that is amazing. It's hard to hear your friend bullied by three people who we're supposed to respect. It's unnecessary and rude, especially with all the bullying going on in the world."
VIDEO: Watch Lacey dance with Chaz
Tristan McManus, partnered with Nancy Grace: "People have reactions to things and everyone has their own opinion. That was his opinion and he felt like he had to verbalize it. Fair enough. That was his opinion. What he said was what he said."
VIDEO: Nancy Grace has a nip slip on DWTS
Former DWTS pro Louis van Amstel: "As a pro, if you talk back to the judges it always makes you look like the bad guy, even if you're right. I’m not saying I agree with Maks, because I actually don't. Len never really explained why he said Maks was part of the problem, because he cut Len off. These discussions, in my opinion, are good because this was real. But, often times, Len blurts out statements that are so fabricated. I wish it was always real."
Chmerkovskiy's former partner, Kirstie Alley: "Maximus Aureius, hear you went all Gladiator at The Coliseum last night. Protected the Queen at all costs. Thumbs Up!! I Salute you!! xo"
PHOTOS: Remember when these celebs competed on DWTS?
Chmerkovskiy's brother, Val, eliminated with partner Elisabetta Canalis: "[Maks is] the most generous person I have ever met, and I don't mean towards me! Cowards say what people like to hear... Remember that he might be the only person that actually exposes his real emotions on this show."
Tell Us: Do you agree with Maks or Len?
Tell Us What You Think
70I think the judges' remarks have gone beyond constructive. Especially Bruno who has verbally abused Chaz, Billy Ray Cyrus and others. Calling Chaz a penguin and referring to Billy Ray's dance as 'garbage' really doesn't make either one a better dancer. These are mainly people with little or no dance training or aptitude. One of these days, Bruno or Len is going to forget to engage his brain before throwing his mouth in gear and somebody's going to dump them on national TV. I think Max is very close and too bad he restrained himself. Max impresses me as a consumate serious professional who gets people to exceed their capabilities.
Agree with make,the judges say stupid things to get laughs....
We must remember.... it's not what you say, but how you say it. Both sides were correct, but said the wrong way!
This outburst was NOT about MONDAY NIGHT!!! its about the seasons and Mak is right!! lol. i love cat fights :)
ALL he said is what everyone is thinking!!!! I admire his courage!!! TEAM MAKS!!!
What a baby. He has clearly lost confidence in his partner by having to defend her in that way and then later saying that Derek gets all the good partners is another slam to Hope. He needs to take a break - if you can't take the heat then........
I commend Maks for speaking up it seems that Len has for the past several seasons always found a way to make Maks and his partners his sounding board. Look what happened with Brandy when she was voted off the Palin girl really should have been the one. This season is going to be a real interesting one nw for the next five weeks, who's next. Hope and Maks were much better than Nancy Grace and they didn't get the criticism that they did. Len perhaps should think with his head before speaking and not his mouth.
I don't think Len should have said it was their worst dance....Hope has been grappling with confidence issues....BUT that being said, Maks got a bit out of control, even though I understand his point...I'm afraid it could set a bad tone for the rest of the season....I also don't appreciate what he has said about Derek Hough...have a feeling the two of them aren't the best of friends...Lastly, will someone please help Hope with her costumes....she looks like a tramp and she is an attractive person...who designs the costumes
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This is such a hard call to make. While I find myself wanting to commend Maks for his valiant protection of his partner, who in my opinion has been treated pretty harshly by the Judges on this show, I must also believe that judges will be, well, judgemental. He really did the knight in shining armor thing though, (sexy!) and came through for poor Hope, who is a female professional athlete. I think the Judges expect more from the athletes, as they are in great shape, but poor Hope has been taught aggression and power, and dance of this nature requires a woman to be graceful and rather demure, very hard for a powerhouse like Hope. I love the show, and hope that these hard feelings will pass, but while I do respect the judges, perhaps they should be a bit more mindful of their remarks.
Way to go Maks! Standing up for what you believe in- no matter what, is one of the reasons you are my favorite pro on the show.
Maks was wrong for many reasons 1) Max was runner up twice and it is because of the acceptance and love of judges 2) Judges has no animosity against Max plus Hope Solo is the most attractive celeb for this season 3) Maks should have chosen the dance what fits the personality of Hope Solo 4) Rumba was really awful this week and I think Maks was trying to create love chemistry on the stage and seek votes from the audience 5) Also, Maks is growing old on the stage and since last 12 season he was never the winner and I think if not this time then never,, so Maks is creating fire to become popular but arrogance and asking someone to retire is unacceptable " Ukranian Attitude is not acceptable in America" .. Finally understand the wit in the Judges comment and if you tie their tongue..Show will become dull..I am pointing this towards Chaz ...Judges comments are one of the vital component which maks the show so glamorous..No hard feelings Maks and Chaz but rule is rule!
Hi everyone, Maks was wrong for many reasons 1) Max was runner up twice and it is because of the acceptance and love of judges 2) Judges has no animosity against Max plus Hope Solo is the most attractive celeb for this season 3) Maks should have chosen the dance what fits the personality of Hope Solo 4) Rumba was really awful this week and I think Maks was trying to create love chemistry on the stage and seek votes from the audience 5) Also, Maks is growing old on the stage and since last 12 season he was never the winner and I think if not this time then never,, so Maks is creating fire to become popular but arrogance and asking someone to retire is unacceptable " Ukranian Attitude is not acceptable in America" .. Finally understand the wit in the Judges comment and if you tie their tongue..Show will become dull..I am pointing this towards Chaz ...Judges comments are one of the vital component which maks the show so glamorous..No hard feelings Maks and Chaz but rule is rule!
Maks says what the cowards won't . He makes the show for me and is the only reason I watch!
I totally agree with Maks... Len expressed he has been in the business for 50 years... Perhaps he should have more understanding for his words of wisdom.. Maks born in Russia spoke with understanding and defending his partner, The show needs MAKS Len should learn a lesson from Maks and stop being so critical .. Hooray for MAKS
I think Len recieved his "just dessert" Even though he is respected as a judge, he could find better comments for his opinion. I totally agree with Maks!! He was defending his partner regardless of the outcome.. Maks is an accomplished dancer in addition speaks well and thoughtful The show needs MAKS!!
I agree with maks that is his opinion and he is in-titled to it. I also think that Carrie Ann shouldn't get involved
Maks gets paid A LOT of money to take criticism from the judges...Most people have to take it for FREE! :) Love Len and Maks both!
The problem is the judges' remarks are not always constructive. The object is not to shred the dancers but to help the dancers improve. Len goes over the top -- it's not fun to watch and it's not helpful. Maks' remark that Len should retire was not appropriate but was said in the heat of the moment. Derek saying that pros should know better MUST be tongue in cheek because in prior years we've seen him with his derriere on his shoulders from judges remarks as well.
The stars make the show more than the judges.