The drama surrounding Dancing With the Stars continues to grow, with professional dancer Gleb Savchenko speaking out after receiving criticism for comments about fellow dancer Alan Bersten.
The controversy began when Bersten was selected to replace Val Chmerkovskiy for one episode of the popular dance competition. Savchenko questioned whether Bersten was the right choice, sparking a fresh debate among fans about dancing ability, professional standards, and competition behind the scenes.
But Savchenko has now pushed back against the idea that his comments were meant as a personal attack.
How the Controversy Started
The situation developed after Chmerkovskiy was suspended for one episode following controversial social media remarks about judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
The disagreement began during an earlier episode when Inaba criticized a dance performed by Chmerkovskiy's wife, professional dancer Jenna Johnson, and her celebrity partner, Harry Shum Jr.
Chmerkovskiy responded online in defense of his wife. His comments were widely criticized because they referenced the infamous 2022 Oscars incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock.
Following the backlash, the show's production company announced that Chmerkovskiy would miss one episode.
With Chmerkovskiy unavailable, former professional dancer Alan Bersten was brought in to partner actress Jenna Dewan for the October 20 episode.
Gleb Savchenko Questions the Decision
Savchenko, a former Dancing With the Stars professional, shared his opinion about the replacement during a social media livestream.
He questioned whether Bersten had the level of technique and artistry he believed was required for the role. He also suggested that another dancer might have been a better choice.
His comments quickly circulated online, attracting reactions from viewers who disagreed about Bersten's abilities and whether Savchenko's criticism was fair.
Some fans viewed the remarks as unnecessarily harsh toward a fellow professional. Others argued that dancers should be able to express honest opinions about technique and performance.
The discussion soon became another source of drama surrounding a season that had already generated headlines for reasons beyond the ballroom.
Savchenko Says He Wasn't Attacking Bersten
As the criticism continued, Savchenko clarified his position.
He said his remarks were not intended as a personal attack and explained that he was discussing differences in dancing styles, technique, and professional strengths.
Savchenko also emphasized that he respected Bersten and had known him for years.
His explanation shifted the discussion toward a familiar question in competitive entertainment: when does professional criticism become personal?
While Savchenko stood by his assessment that the dancers should not be directly compared, he attempted to make clear that he was not trying to insult Bersten as a person.
How Did Alan Bersten Perform?
Bersten's performance with Jenna Dewan gave viewers another reason to discuss the controversy.
The pair danced a Viennese waltz during the show's Dedication Night episode on October 20. Their performance earned Dewan her first perfect 10 of the season from judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
That result added an interesting twist to the discussion, since Savchenko had questioned whether Bersten was the right dancer to step into the role.
However, one successful performance does not necessarily settle a broader debate about technique, style, or which professional dancer would be the best partner for a particular celebrity.
Fans continue to have different opinions about the decision and what makes a strong dance partnership.
Fans Are Divided Over the Comments
The controversy has prompted different reactions across social media.
Some viewers believe Savchenko was entitled to express his professional opinion, especially because he has years of experience on the show.
Others argue that publicly criticizing a colleague can create unnecessary tension and overshadow the performers themselves.
There are also fans who believe the situation demonstrates how quickly discussions about entertainment can become personal once social media gets involved.
The disagreement has generated attention not only because of what Savchenko said, but also because it followed the separate controversy involving Chmerkovskiy and Inaba.
Is the DWTS Drama Getting Out of Control?
The recent events have put the show's professional dancers under an unusual level of public scrutiny.
From disagreements over judging decisions to questions about professional replacements, conversations about the show have increasingly extended beyond the performances themselves.
At the same time, public debate is a familiar part of reality television. Viewers care about their favorite contestants and professionals, and strong opinions are often part of what keeps people watching.
The challenge is making sure criticism remains focused on performances rather than turning into personal attacks or online harassment.
For now, Savchenko has clarified what he meant, while Bersten's performance has given fans more material to discuss.
Whether the controversy fades or continues to grow remains to be seen.
What Do You Think?
Was Gleb Savchenko simply sharing an honest professional opinion about Alan Bersten's dancing, or should he have handled his criticism differently?
And did Bersten's performance with Jenna Dewan change your opinion about whether he was the right replacement?
Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments.