Maksim Chmerkovskiy calls Taylor Swift dancer Jan Ravnik ‘absurd’ on ‘DWTS’

(NewsNation) — Former “Dancing with the Stars” pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy isn’t mincing words when it comes to a Taylor Swift backup dancer, Jan Ravnik, being on the show.  

Chmerkovskiy joined his wife, Peta Murgatroyd, on a recent episode of her podcast “The Penthouse with Peta,” when he was discussing the show’s “Wicked Night” theme, calling out Ravnik’s dancing style, according to People Magazine.  

“He’s learning. He’s learning slowly. It’s his first season,” Murgatroyd said. “We have to give him grace for not understanding foxtrot technique. It’s very hard to watch.” 

Maksim Chmerkovskiy: I don’t understand Jan Ravnik and Jen Affleck pairing  

Chmerkovskiy, a former “DWTS” champion who’s appeared in 17 seasons of the show, said that the former “Eras Tour” dancer doesn’t deserve grace.  

“I’m sorry, Jan has absolutely no business being a pro on ‘Dancing with the Stars,’” Chmerkovskiy said. “There’s zero foundation, technique, quality, understanding of the partnership,” Chmerkovskiy said. “Bro, I’m getting emotional. It is absurd.” 

Ravnik is partnered with “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Jen Affleck this season of the long-running dancing competition.  

Chmerkovskiy said he has “zero against (Ravnik) whatsoever.”  

Murgatroyd, who is also a “DWTS” champ, and Chmerkovskiy both agreed that Ravnik’s casting was a “missed opportunity” and that Affleck is at a big disadvantage.  

“I feel bad because she’s not getting taught the basics that she needs to. She’s not getting taught the base of the dance,” Murgatroyd said.  

She added that producers only cast Ravnik because “he’s a Taylor Swift dancer.”