Savchenko Criticizes Bersten's Technique Amid DWTS Drama

Key points

• Gleb Savchenko stated on TikTok that Alan Bersten is 'not up to the level of dancing' regarding quality and technique, despite Bersten having won the Mirrorball Trophy in 2019.
• Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended for one week by BBC Studios after posting a TikTok status referencing Will Smith's 2022 Oscars slap, which was interpreted as a threat toward judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
• Chmerkovskiy apologized, stating he made a 'poor decision' to reference the meme to protect his wife's name, acknowledging the comment was inappropriate and hurtful to Inaba.
• Alan Bersten, who was eliminated in Week 2 with Giada De Laurentiis, was chosen to replace Chmerkovskiy for Jenna Dewan's Dedication Night performance, a Viennese waltz dedicated to her mother.
• Savchenko, who was not competing in Season 35, suggested a current troupe member should have been chosen instead of Bersten, questioning the production's decision.

Background

This incident follows earlier tensions in Season 35, where Savchenko and Sasha Farber were omitted from the professional roster. Savchenko had previously expressed gratitude for his time on the show but later faced personal legal disputes regarding his daughter's medical care. The current drama escalates previous conflicts between Chmerkovskiy and Inaba, who has faced significant online harassment and criticism from the audience, as noted in prior interviews.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six highlights Savchenko's blunt criticism of Bersten's technical skills and his suggestion that a current troupe member was a better choice. ABC News and Variety focus on the official suspension by BBC Studios, emphasizing the 'inappropriate' nature of Chmerkovskiy's post and the production's commitment to staff well-being. TV Insider provides context on Chmerkovskiy's apology and the logistical details of the partner swap. While all sources agree on the facts of the suspension and replacement, Page Six emphasizes the interpersonal conflict between the pros, whereas the trade outlets focus on the institutional response and the apology.

Why it matters

The suspension marks the first of its kind in the show's history, signaling a stricter enforcement of conduct standards for long-standing professionals. It highlights the ongoing tension between judges and the public, as well as the internal dynamics among the professional dancers, which can impact the show's narrative and audience engagement.

What to watch

Alan Bersten will perform with Jenna Dewan on Tuesday's Dedication Night. Val Chmerkovskiy is expected to return to the show the following week, pending the expiration of his one-week suspension. The outcome of the Dedication Night performance may influence future pairings and the trajectory of the competition.