Gleb Savchenko has stirred controversy following his critical remarks about Alan Bersten’s recent promotion to partner Jenna Dewan on the hit reality series “Dancing With the Stars.” This change comes after Val Chmerkovskiy received the show’s first-ever professional suspension, leading to a significant shake-up among the contestants.
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During a TikTok livestream, Savchenko, who previously competed on the show, expressed doubt about Bersten’s dancing abilities. He stated, “I mean, he’s just not up to the level of dancing, like, period.” Savchenko’s choice of words has raised eyebrows, particularly in the wake of Chmerkovskiy’s suspension for making disparaging comments about judge Carrie Ann Inaba on social media.
Chmerkovskiy’s suspension followed an Instagram post where he took issue with comments Inaba made regarding his wife, Jenna Johnson, after their latest performance with celebrity partner Harry Shum Jr. In the now-deleted post, Chmerkovskiy referenced Will Smith’s notorious Oscars incident, stating, “You almost saw the Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night.” His comments led to backlash and ultimately his temporary removal from the competition.
Savchenko’s remarks continued as he acknowledged Bersten’s skills, albeit with a caveat, calling him “a good dancer, I guess, for TV.” However, he further implied that when it comes to artistic dance, Bersten does not measure up: “But if we talk about art dancing? Like creating art? He’s, like, eh. I don’t know.” This assessment highlights the competitive tensions within the professional dance community on the show.
Throughout the livestream, Savchenko attempted to clarify that he was not attacking Bersten personally, stating, “I don’t have anything against the guy, just, why Alan? Who else is there?” His remarks prompted him to speculate about potential alternatives for Dewan’s partnership, suggesting that professional dancer Brandon Armstrong could have been a better fit after his early elimination this season.
Savchenko joined “Dancing With the Stars” during its 16th season, while Bersten made his debut in season 25. The current season marks the show’s 35th outing, and many fans have been following the drama closely. Despite not being part of the current roster, Savchenko reassured fans last month that he is content with the decision and is in good spirits.
Interestingly, Dewan’s fiancé, Steve Kazee, has publicly shown his support for her upcoming performance with Bersten. In a heartfelt message shared on his Instagram Stories, he praised Dewan’s grace and talent, asserting, “Every time I think I can’t love you more, your grace, your class, and your heart prove me wrong.” This sentiment serves as a reminder of the emotional support network surrounding the contestants amid the pressure of the competition.
The situation illustrates the complicated dynamics within “Dancing With the Stars,” where professional rivalries can emerge alongside personal relationships. The outcome of how Bersten and Dewan perform under the current circumstances remains to be seen, particularly as the show progresses into its Dedication Night episode.
The public is now waiting to see how the various developments will unfold on the dance floor, especially with the shifting partnerships and the heightened tension brought on by Chmerkovskiy’s suspension. As “Dancing With the Stars” continues to air on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST/PST on ABC and Disney+, all eyes will be on the competitors as they navigate this complex landscape.