Former “Dancing With the Stars” professional Gleb Savchenko has ignited fresh debate across the ballroom, publicly rebuking judge Carrie Ann Inaba’s scoring and questioning fellow pro Alan Bersten’s selection as a temporary replacement for Val Chmerkovskiy.
Savchenko, who danced on the program from Season 23 through Season 34, took to social media to push back against Inaba’s critique of a samba performed by pro Jenna Johnson and actor Harry Shum Jr., Page Six reported.
Dispute Over Super Bowl Night Routine
The controversy stems from the show’s “Super Bowl Night,” when Inaba penalized Johnson and Shum Jr. for executing what the judge identified as an illegal lift. Under the competition’s rules, lifts are barred during traditional samba routines.
Savchenko rejected Inaba’s assessment in a video shared on TikTok, arguing the maneuver was merely an assist assisted by troupe members rather than a forbidden partner lift.
“Jen didn’t lift him, he didn’t lift Jenna, it wasn’t done in the couple so I think it’s bulls—t,” Savchenko said, as reported by OK! Magazine. “Probably, Carrie Ann just had to say something because she’s the lifts police of ‘DWTS.’ I think she was just doing her job creating a good TV moment, but I’d say team Val on this one.”
Chmerkovskiy, who married Johnson in 2019, initially responded to Inaba’s critique with a social media post alluding to Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards, writing that viewers almost saw the “Fresh Prince enter the ballroom.” The remark prompted BBC Studios to issue a one-week suspension, stating his comments did not meet the standards expected of individuals connected to the broadcast.
Chmerkovskiy later apologized, telling Page Six that his reaction was an ill-advised attempt to reference a popular meme while defending his wife, adding that Inaba did not deserve to be swept into his poor judgment.
Backlash Over Alan Bersten’s Return
With Chmerkovskiy sidelined, producers selected Bersten to partner with actress Jenna Dewan for Tuesday’s “Dedication Night.” Bersten had previously departed the season in week two alongside celebrity partner Giada De Laurentiis.
During a Sunday livestream, Savchenko voiced strong doubts about Bersten’s suitability to step in, questioning his artistic depth and technical mastery, according to OK! Magazine. Savchenko contended that producers should have instead offered the opportunity to a member of the current dancing troupe.
Pro dancer Emma Slater quickly addressed the controversy online. Responding to a TikTok user who questioned Bersten’s return following his prior elimination, Slater defended her boyfriend, writing, “Yeah that’s what happens, we all step in for each other,” Page Six reported.
Savchenko later clarified his comments in a statement to Page Six, maintaining that his critique was intended as an objective comparison between different stylistic approaches rather than a personal slight against Bersten.
“I’ve known Alan for years, I have a lot of love for him, and I respect what he brings to the show,” Savchenko told Page Six. “Nothing personal against Alan at all, and I’m looking forward to seeing him and Jenna dance on Tuesday.”
What Happens Next
Dewan and Bersten are scheduled to perform a Viennese waltz on Tuesday honoring Dewan’s mother, Nancy Bursch, as the live competition moves forward. Chmerkovskiy is expected to return to the ballroom following the conclusion of his one-week suspension.
