Monday night’s ballroom smack down may be over, but tough talking pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy didn’t leave the drama on the “Dancing With the Stars” stage.
After the show, Chmerkovskiy spoke to reporters about the hubbub between him and “Dancing’s” venerable vet, Len Goodman.
"Len is the only one who comes from a ballroom background, and I really respect his opinion," the pro said in a quote published to The Hollywood Reporter, despite the fact that it was clear he didn’t respect the judge’s opinion Monday night, when ballroom’s elder statesman slammed Chmerkovskiy and partner Hope Solo.
In fact, while Goodman pointed to his 50 years in the ballroom to back up his nitpicks, Chmerkovskiy seems to think his credentials are just as impressive when it comes to backing up his perspective.
"I've danced for 27 years,” he said. “And I've won more titles than Len ever even participated in.”
If any of this sounds a bit Chmerkovskiy-centric, like his quote about the competition being “his show” on Monday night, the pro insists that's not how he means it.
"Like I said, it's my show, and I didn't mean it in a selfish way” he explained. "I love it. It's what I love doing. Our fans are phenomenal."
And sure, the morning-after talk is more about him than his partner, Hope Solo, but even she took out time to defend him when it was all over.
"I've never been more proud to dance with (Maksim), my coach, and a TRUE teammate," she tweeted after the show. "Maks, don't you ever change! That's exactly why I love you!"
Did you miss the dance floor drama? Watch it now:
So what do you think? Was Chmerkovskiy being selfish or not? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page and then join me today at 3:30 p.m. ET for our “Dancing” live chat for more Chmerkovskiy talk.
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