Gleb Savchenko Clarifies Stance on Alan Bersten After DWTS Controversy
Savchenko addresses his public critique of Bersten following recent Dancing With the Stars drama.
1Public Reconciliation Attempt
Gleb Savchenko addressed his recent public critiques of fellow professional dancer Alan Bersten during a Press Pass LA event on November 10. Despite previous negative comments, the 43-year-old dancer insisted that there is no personal animosity. He explicitly stated that he loves Bersten and considers him a friend despite their professional differences.
2Professional Standards Debate
Savchenko clarified his earlier remarks, which questioned whether Bersten possessed the technical skill required for high-level ballroom performance. He compared dancers to stars in the sky, noting that some shine brighter than others. While acknowledging Bersten’s suitability for television, he maintained that his critique was based on artistic quality and technical standards.
3Context of the Conflict
The tension originated in October when Savchenko criticized the show's decision to replace Val Chmerkovskiy with Bersten during Dedication Night. Chmerkovskiy had been temporarily suspended following a controversial interaction with judge Carrie Ann Inaba. Savchenko expressed frustration over the production's handling of Chmerkovskiy, viewing the situation as an unfair punishment for his friend.
4Defending His Stance
Although Savchenko expressed affection for Bersten, he refused to retract his original assessment of the dancer's technical abilities. He emphasized that he stands by his professional opinion regardless of public reaction. Savchenko noted that many critics lack the specific expertise in ballroom dance required to properly evaluate the performance quality he discussed.
5Frustration With Production
Savchenko revealed that his primary issue was not with Bersten personally, but with the show's management of Chmerkovskiy. He felt the producers were setting an example by punishing the veteran dancer for his comments. Savchenko admitted he felt hurt for his friend while observing the situation from his vacation in Ibiza, Spain.
6Chmerkovskiy's Return and Exit
Following the controversy, Val Chmerkovskiy issued a public apology and returned to the competition to perform with partner Jenna Dewan for Horror Movie Night. Despite his return, the pair was ultimately eliminated during Grammy Night. This exit occurred just one week before the scheduled semifinals of the show's thirty-fifth season on ABC.
7The Nature of Reality TV
Savchenko characterized the entire ordeal as a byproduct of the high-pressure environment inherent in television production. He argued that the situation was not as serious as viewers perceived, despite the public fallout. His comments reflect the ongoing tension between artistic integrity and the entertainment requirements of a long-running reality competition series.
8Ongoing Show Dynamics
Dancing With the Stars continues to air on ABC and Disney+ every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. The public exchange between Savchenko and Bersten highlights the complex interpersonal dynamics among the show's professional cast. As the season approaches its conclusion, the focus remains on the remaining competitors and the show's evolving production standards.
Original article: Us Weekly — Gleb Savchenko Clarifies Stance on Alan Bersten After DWTS Controversy