DWTS Maksim Chmerkovskiy, “If I’m not back next season, it wasn’t up to me.”
Maks has written a new blog for TV Guide. He writes of Hope and his elimination and whether they had anything to do with not doing Jimmy Kimmel LIVE and Good Morning America afterwards which you can read on at the link as well as him thanking his fans. He also discusses the final three and what’s next for him including wanting to dance. He’s not planning to take a season off. If he’s not back next season, it wasn’t up to him. More from Maks below….
I think we have a great final three. I’ve become really close friends with Rob. I think he’s peaking at the perfect time. He’s a great guy, very easygoing. There’s no drama. He’s a cool kid. I wish him all the best. I also really, really like Ricki as a person. She and Val are even closer than she and I are. We’ve been to her house multiple times. I think anybody would be a fool not to root for J.R. given who he represents and how great he is. Everything about him screams Dancing winner. I’m kind of torn. This is the one of those times that I kind of don’t envy, I guess, the fans that have to choose who to root for. It’s a tough decision. I’ve been fortunate to have had that much support that I was in the semis for four seasons straight. I consider myself lucky to have such great fans. I just hope I’ve made them proud.
What’s next for me? I have no immediate plans at the moment. I’m not even sure if we’re going to be at the finale! Hope had to leave and take care of some personal things she had been putting on hold. I have no idea what’s going on. Wednesday was my first day of calmness and normality. I didn’t have to set my alarm for the first time in three months and I jumped out of bed at 8:30 going thinking I had something to do, but I didn’t! No rehearsals, no interviews, nothing! Sometimes it’s hard to let go after a season, but I’m looking forward to some time off.
I don’t think I’m planning anything. I think for once I’ll let others do the planning. I just want to enjoy my time off. There’s been controversy this season with what I say. I feel like I get in trouble because I try to explain myself in detail and it turns out people don’t want explanations. Our job as entertainers is to dance and smile and be happy. You open up yourself entirely to the world to be judged. One thing that I feel like I want to do is if I do open myself like this and allow people to judge me is to make sure my conscience is clear as far as saying my piece and making sure I was clear with my message. If after that some people disagree with my message, I have no hard feelings. I want to make sure looking back at this years from now, I was clear, expressive, smiling because I want to be and not smiling because I have to be. We’re given a platform to express ourselves, but we’re not allowed to express ourselves. What is that about that? It is a business and like any business you have to do certain things to work and I’ve done it. But I’ve been myself. Some people send me articles or some people tweet me nasty stuff. It does hurt sometimes, but it is what it is. There’s something about being politically correct that I have a problem with. For a while, I couldn’t pinpoint why I disagreed with it, but I realized people don’t like politicians because we feel like they sometimes represent an idea and not necessarily us and so why would I try to be politically correct? Why would I not try to be me? I just want to make sure whatever I do I do wholeheartedly and I have my best intentions in mind. At the end of the day, looking back, I can sleep well at night knowing that I was honest and true.
As far as next season, I’m not thinking about that at all. I just don’t know how far ahead I can plan right now. There were developments before this season that affected my decision. During the season, there were some developments that kept me thinking about what I should do. I’ll try to do what’s right for my personal future. I’m sorry if that sounds selfish. But I will absolutely take into consideration my fans and what they want. I can say that at this point, I don’t plan on taking any seasons off. If I’m not back next season, it wasn’t up to me. And if I do change my mind and want to take a break, I’ll announce it. That’s as much as I can do.
I don’t know what to think of the above words, but, right now, I think it might do him a world of good to have a season off to really think about things and how they went down this Season. I do think Maks is misunderstood a lot. However, so many things he did this season are hard to get past? As a big Maks fan, it makes me sad. 
Can I get past how I feel about him right now? It’s up to him. He has some growing to do (as we all do in our lives at times). I know one thing… I’d like to see the Maks come back that we saw last season.
Adding: Below are some cool new pics of Maks! He made a visit to the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles today to deliver toys and books to the children participating in dance therapy. He danced and interacted in the Mark Taper-Johnny Mercer Artists Program which brings a wide array of arts experiences to critically and chronically ill children, teens, and families. The donated toys were collected by Cost Plus World Market as a part of the Share the Joy program. You view even more photos at Wire Image.
I agree. I would like to see the Maks back that we saw last season. Maybe some time off would be good.
Both Hope and Maks’ reps are saying they will be there for the finale, although Maks doesn’t seem to know that.
Will be interesting to see if they show up, or if “it wasn’t up to them” again, if they don’t.
Follow up comment. Is it just me, or are Hope and Maks not really taking any responsibility for the things they said this season? It seems to be “we were misunderstood”, “I don’t understand why I was called out for smiling”, “I can sleep at night knowing I was clear”.
One thing to clear up – Maks says in his blog that he’s not sure about being in the finale, but Hope’s PR person Whitney Unruh confirmed today via twitter that both Hope and Mkas will be there.
As a former Maks fan, I also really hope he takes a season (or more) off. However, I’ve been thinking about last season and I kind of think that the Maks we saw with Kirstie is a chimera. I think people thought at the time that he had a newfound maturity, but now I think that’s not true. Kirstie is kooky and fun but she’s kind of a 15 year old in a 60 year old’s body. I think about the silly tweet she sent that Maks was “going all gladiator and defending his queen” after Maks went off on Len. It must be great to have someone piant your actions as glorious and brave when you’re really being a tool, but that’s not the kind of friend who will make you grow up. Maks sems to be surrounded by sycophants who reflect his own good opinion of himself back at himself (one of which is Kirstie) and what he really needs is someone who will actully be honest with him and tell him when he’s crossed a line.
I got the same feeling, Marlene, from reading Maks’ blog – it just annoyed me even more. How many times is one person “mis-understood” really?? Not that often.
I actually found Hope and Mak’s journey quite honest and refreshing. It was real. They had some difficulties but they are definitely bonded. This article actually doesn’t include all the lovely things Maks said about Hope ad how he will be going to London to watch her in the Olympics. They struggled and now they are true friends. Whatever the season of DWTS, we always see an interesting journey from Maks. By the way, ABC confirmed that they pulled Hope from the publicity elimination tour. That was real, not made up by either of them. They both wanted to go but I think Hope is a bit too direct and honest. She probably would have exposed some things ABC didn’t want to see out in the open.
And here’s a slideshow of Maks’ visit to the hospital.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/childrensla/sets/72157628041605055/show/
Cool link. Thanks Evaine!!
JMHO–but nothing about Hope & Maks’ “journey” was refreshing
Maks is sexy and flawed. He is a work in progress, but always intriguing. He is a star.
Or they didn’t want them badmouthing the show like a couple of poor sports AGAIN.
#10. Heidi, agreed, again. It sounds to me like their PR reps are busy doing damage control. They know how badly Hope and Maks came across this season, regardless of the intent. ABC had enough and wasn’t prepared to go there anymore.
It really remains to be seen whether they will be “allowed” to be in the finale, or whether TPTB make a “decision” not to have them there. None of Maks and Hope’s decisions of course.
I hate to admit this, but I didn’t finish Maks blog. And I don’t know why!
I really think that Maks comes across so much better when he can sit in front of his computer, and think and edit what he says…. And it’s often so much different from what we hear come from him on camera.
I’m thinking that the “on camera” Maks that we see is the real one…..
This season was incredibly strange, and it’s going to go down as…. Weird? Tension filled? Awkward? Indescribable?
And I did go and browse that board that really shouldn’t be browsed, and saw someone post about Maks dilemma…. It included a link to an article, which I don’t have… sorry. But, it mentioned that he wants JR to win. However, he also mentioned that he and Karina haven’t spoken since they split, and as Maks says, he is “never going to speak to that person.”
Or… I don’t know…
I would love to see you back next season. Life takes you where you are supposed to be. I love the passion you have for the show And dancing. You speak your mind and heart. You stand by what you say. You didn’t back down, to what you felt was your opinion and that you were allowed to voice it . It takes a strong person to do that. And sometimes people agree but aren’t strong enough to stand up for themselves. It was awesome to see someone stand up for themselves and their partner. You are very protective of you partners and friends. And I bet your family and friends are lucky to have you on their by side. I speak my mind and do the same. It makes some crazy but I protect the people I love. And it sometimes makes people have the wrong idea of being too outspoken, too rude, and arrogant. But it is what it is and I don’t care. As my mother always said ” most of the people that don’t like you, are jealous cause they wish they were more like you”!!! Don’t you hate when what your parents said when you were kids starts to make senses.
Well, in all fairness, the “poor sport” media blitz articles started when people assumed Hope skipped out on the interviews after her elimination. She didn’t have a choice, though, which I don’t think is right. She should have been given the opportunity that everyone else on the show has had to express their feelings, good or bad. That impression continues even though it was ABC’s decision to pull Hope from Good Morning America, Access Hollywood, Kimmel and The View. The only media that carried Hope was NBC, not ABC. There have also been a lot of articles about Carrie Ann’s biased judging appearing in MSNBC which are very articulately written. As reporters, they turned a critical eye to her trying to put a spin on what was happening. Fans were criticizing her judging as biased and she tried to spin it as if fans were criticizing other contestants. That only worked for bloggers but actual reporters on NBC saw right through it and crucified her. So maybe Hope did have a point afterall. We can assume that ABC, Dancing with the Stars producers and the Judges all work together to decide who stays on the show. If they snubbed Hope for even doing the after-show circuit, I am pretty certain there was some sort of an internal producer and judges push to remove her as well. It’s all under the same umbrella.
@Marlene I don’t think ABC/DWTS was concerned about Hope’s image. No Ma’am. They already trashed Hope’s image by choosing the clips they did. They are concerned about their own image. The image of Dancing/ABC. If people were to really think about Hope’s experience on the show, it would be a less attractive thing to watch. Her opinion, if you recall, was that it’s all staged and fake. Also, if celebrities really heard someone talk about all the intricacies of the show they might have an even harder time recruiting people. Nobody wants their image and rep trashed to participate in a show. Yes, some of it was Hope’s fault, but some of it was just editing choices too. ABC’s choice.
You add so much to the show. Your dancing is so amazing. Your choregraphy is awesome. Every dance is so beautiful. I love watching you dance. Oh and we understood what you were saying …. This is your show!! Maybe you needed a “too” … my show too! But we got it! And ABC loves you being outspoken.. Every show needs that ” bad boys” image and you hit that mark perfect for them… But it is still awesome to watch! I’m thinking by watching you the rest of the time… That you are really more sweet and cuddly. And save the softer side for off camera! See ya next season I’m sure! And that mirror Ball will be yours soon!
Thanks to Voguerista for the post and to Evaine for the link to the slide show. I have always been a Maks fan and I still am. I wish him all the best in whatever he does next, and the same to Hope Solo. I voted for them most of the season, and then I split my votes between Hope and J.R. I wish the season had not been so contentious, but as Maks said (and as I always say as well): “It is what it is.”
@Desiree, I won’t completely disagree with that statement, but as Heidi and Courtney have both said, at some point what happened in rehearsals is what they had to work with. I think Hope’s “kiss my booty” comment is what sealed it for me. No, she’s not “Hollywood”. But she spend 9 weeks on the show and Maks is a veteran. He knew the cameras were on all the time.
So I’ll put fault on both sides.
Well, I have a hard time believing it was all ABC’s choice. We’ve got a good source who has told us that the two were constantly fighting. Isn’t it possible that ABC didn’t have that much to work with, but the bad stuff?? And believe me, I love Maks, but, he and Hope brought out the worst in each other up until the last few weeks.
@Lori I don’t think it’s abnormal not to want contact with an ex re: Maks and Karina If you’ve ever dated anyone you’ve worked with (not a good idea lol), it’s always uncomfortable after it’s over. It’s not like he is her supervisor or she is his supervisor. They are lateral so they can avoid each other. I find it refreshing that they don’t pretend to be friends. I have noticed that after most of JR/Karina’s dances, Maks is clapping for them, err, or maybe just JR. Doesn’t really matter though, Karina, will get the MBT, not him. He is supporter her partner which is fairly big of him. He doesn’t have to push his supporters toward JR like he has done.
@Voguerista I agree they were probably always fighting except the week of the quickstep where they made an effort to be more careful. Then there was no more fighting in the packages in the studio rehearsal. Right? All pretty benign for two weeks. The only sour moment was in front of the judges table. They could have edited out the FU comments as they did with Cheryl Burke dirty talking Rob. They put them in for a reason: to make the judges look good. It was calculated to discredit Hope/Maks further. That same week there were several shows about how the judging on DWTS is awful: Wendy Williams and Entertainment Tonight both had pieces about removing the judges. So, throwing in those FU comments after they already knew Hope was going to be eliminated was for them, to CYA their judges.
And the absolution and justification of a long string of bad behavior continues. Come on!! ABC didn’t manufacture all that crap that Maks said. They didn’t manufacture what was said in last weeks episode. People keep looking for a scapegoat other than Hope and/or Maks.
No, Elise, the poor sport opinion of Hope did NOT start when people thought she skipped out on the media interviews. It started when she and Maks were swearing up a storm while standing in front of the judges and acting like spoiled children. It actually started even before that. And it’s not just here – most articles make comments about her and Maks behavior – and not flattering comments. At some point, you guys are going to have to admit that NO ONE made either of them say anything they did, or behave in the way they did – it’s all on camera. Given a chance to express her feelings?? Both of them had been expressing their feelings all over the place and it’s not what I would call appropriate – I guess ABC finally had enough and decided to stop rewarding crap behavior.
It has nothing to do with CAI – they are responsible for their own behavior. And this is not the first time the judges have been criticized by the media – the world didn’t start and stop with Hope and Maks. Jesus. You can’t be made to look bad, if you don’t ACT BADLY!!
And therein lies the nuts and bolts.
You can’t be made to look bad, if you don’t ACT BADLY!!
After a couple of weeks of bad packages, they might have figured it out and acted differently, but they are who they are. They didn’t react well together for whatever reason. Maks goes off on the judges, and so does Hope at the end. ABC says, we’ve had enough. But nothing is ever Hopes and Maks’ fault.
Hey Mary … Growing up is over rated! Life needs more fun.. Kirstie is fun and Alive… She lives life… Not pisses and moans about it! well she might piss and moan but she makes it fun! Sometimes friends stand by you… By making you laugh about a situation. And maybe not all of us think he crossed a line! It was his opinion and he’s allowed to have one! Just like u did above!! Nay nay ! The seasons over .. move on… And march 19 2012 a new one will begin… And don’t lie you know you want to see maks shake that awesome butt for us on the dance floor!
Amen to that, Heidi!
Am I having a memory lapse or were there not several f-bombs dropped by both hope and maks on the show? This is cute and cuddley behavior ?? Has the whole world become this crass and numb? An influential man in my life told me, if a man says f-you behind your back, it is disrespectful and if he says it to your face it is either combative or abuse.Then Maks also said it about CAI in an interview?, I think. It is one thing to disagree etc., but when someone resorts to the f-word in a heated argument or whateve,r usually does it because they are so angry or out of control they can’t think of the appropriate words for the situation. Mak’s attitude at times over the seasons have been squirm worthy but this stuff has just been way over the top. And to all of the mostly women fans defending him, ???? It is also just so disturbing that he has such a convenient, selective vision about all of this and just doesn’t seem to get that there is a problem that he and Hope caused, not anyone else. As far as Hope goes, an Olympian who represents this country. Disgusting.
ABC had higher rating for the whole situation! It’s a show ! They didn’t have to play back what was said…. But ABC made that choice too! The played that situation up! Come on ” f**k them” and then she said it back! And I do believe this is the first year they r using the mics that way to show us what was said! Oh and please stop it!!! She was mad and upset and he was letting her know … U did your best u gave it your all that’s what counts and “f**k” what they think or anyone else! And oh please don’t let her freak out or cry!!!
Random musings:
What will it take for some fans to finally realize that Maks is not as innocent & blameless as they seem to think he is? Does he have to commit a crime against humanity? Bite the head off a live bat? Expose himself to a convent full of nuns? I seriously think he’s been given a permanent “get out of jail free” card by some of his fans. Nobody is that perfect.
To quote Joey Lawrence on an episode of Celebrity Ghost Stories: “Once is an occurrence, twice is a coincidence, three times – you’ve got a pattern.” If he & Hope were consistently getting bad edits week after week, you have to consider the possibility that they were consistently having bad practice sessions.
Anyone else find it funny that Wendy Williams, who was the second one voted off her season & was widely regarded among fans of DWTS as a bad dancer, is suddenly such a crusader for new judges???
And was anyone else mildly annoyed that Hope said “Kiss my booty” instead of “Kiss my ass”? Call me crude, but I’d rather someone cuss & get bleeped like an adult than use a juvenile substitute word and sound…silly.
If you’ve got the cojones to tell someone to kiss your hindquarters, at least have the cojones to use an actual swear word…hell, Hope may have even gotten lucky & the editors might have decided that it sounded too crass, even with the bleep, & omitted it altogether. Problem solved. Thanks Court 
LOL COURTNEY!!!
The blog is full of back-peddling, but I would expect no less. Maks will never correct his bad behavior since he doesn’t believe he has a behavior problem. It’s always someone else’s fault. I hope Hope and Maks attendance at the finale means a celebration of the final three and not a continuation of the Hope and Maks saga. I’ve heard all the expression of their feelings I can take.
The story and pictures of Maks with the children, on the other hand, is touching and inspiring. Kudos to Maks for touching these kids’ lives.
I have to admit, Melissa. You hit a soft spot.
But, I also have to admit, I’ve been disappointed in Maks’ dancing lately. He just doesn’t seem as into it as he once was? I hope I am wrong.
And Flo, you are right. They were probably just more careful that week of the Quickstep. I thought they overcame a lot and they were genuine only to find out they weren’t the next week.
Melissa, is your computer broken? I think your exclamation point key might be stuck.
I think in Maks’ blog we already see the “it’s not my fault” theme. Hey I want to come back so if you don’t see me, it’s their fault. No, it has nothing to do with MY behaviour this season.
We saw a great side of Maks last season and yes the pics with the kids are wonderful. (staged much?) pardon me for being cynical. But those pics come at a great time for him when he’s being hammered in the press, on Twitter and in blogs. Love to believe in it, but is this the first we’ve seen of this sort of thing?
Just want to give a big thank you for the pics! No matter what anyone feels about him it really made a good end to my Birthday!
:::sigh::: Melissa, the ratings over all this season are DOWN. This is NOT the first year they are using mics live – they’ve used them for a few seasons now and Maks knows this. This is not the first time they are using the mics period.
Maks, sweety, it’s time to be quiet for a while now.
As far as exclamation marks go, I find the “Eleventy” term to be hilarious!!!!!!11!!!!11!
(it’s a term for mocking posters who get so excited they miss the Shift key occasionally but it also works for any overuse)
Marlene, I think he has done random appearances at childrens’ hospitals before, but the timing of this appearance didn’t escape me either.
Still, it was a win-win situation. It tugs at my heart strings to see the faces on little babes going through such a tough time. I’m going to applaud him for that one.
I agree that it is hard to work with and ex, and have the same friends in the work “place”…especially when he’s the one that got dumped.
The first thing I thought of when I saw Maks at the Children’s Hospital was….”damage control-high gear.”
Babs – I actually kind of agree with you that Maks and Hope’s journey was very “real,” almost uncomfortably so. Unlike others who think that Maks hated Hope, I really believe he was friends with her. He told her at least twice that he loved her, once in an unaired confessional during Broadway week and again during the backstage package on the results show on Tuesday night (something that was overlooked in all the focus on their swearing at the judges). I don’t believe Maks throws around words like that and doesn’t mean it. If he says he loves Hope, then I believe he really loves Hope. I actually think that’s why so many of their packages were so raw, because they weren’t acting and their were real feelings involved (even though he was a complete dick in pushing her around broadway week).
That said, Maks seemed to be uniquely ill-suited to help Hope. I’m much more inclined to judge Maks than Hope for that. Hope seems to have come from an oddly dysfunctional and sheltered existence. Her Dad was a Vietnam vet who kidnapped her, then spent time in jail, then disappeared for a while, then was homeless, and yet she seemed to have loved him until he died unexpectedly. And she also seemed to have focused her life on soccer, soccer, soccer exclusively. Someone compared her to a foreign exchange student who’s host family (DWTS) seems to be hostile, though in fact they are not that hostile – it’s just that she doesn’t understand the language. Unfortunately, Maks has had his own long-running vendetta against the judges so he couldn’t or wouldn’t point out to Hope that she was being overly sensitive to their criticism. Instead, he seemed to just feed into her feeling that they were out to get her. (Which was not totally unjustified on semi-finals night, because I do believe that was scripted to get Rob into the finals. Still, I don’t think they “wanted her out from day one” as she claimed.)
Also, I am not judging ABC lightly in this mess. They acted like complete hypocrites, in my opinion. All season long, I felt like they were poking and prodding at Maks and Hope to get an outburst since both have a reputation as being hot-heads. Then when it happened, they clutched their pearls and refued to allow the two to go on Jimmy Kimmel or GMA. Please, ABC, give me a break. They did notably better ratings last week (2 million+) and I see no explanation for it other than all the press Hope and Maks were getting for all their various dramas, so for them to suddenly turn against them after using Hope\Maks for press during a season that was otherwise not geeting buzz is ridiculous.
I like your analysis, #39 MaryS, especially the very insightful last paragraph on ABC’s hypocritical stance.
And “clutched their pearls” – LOL – a wonderful phrase and a perfect characterization for ABC’s behavior.
First, I was a former fan of maks…loved him dancing with Kirstie Alley – their chemistry was amazing. He made her into a really great dancer imo.
However, that being said, this year, he was unprofessional. My anger with him began with the first whine of the season from both he and Hope. Hope didn’t want to do the work and he thought deserved all the praise. Its a team sport – all of the pros should be applauding all the contestants. Its the “professional” thing to do. He should have made his celebrity understand she needed to work and she needed to be “professional” and polite to the judges that it was the right thing to do and professional thing to do.
On the hope / maks not bein gin the interviews, honestly on GMA George Stephanopaulous flat out said they were asked not to have them on and instead they put on the 3 finalists so my comment about poor sportsmanship and teamwork began before they were pulled from the interviews because I knew they were pulled…anyone with eyes and a mind would know they were pulled because of their unprofessional behavior.
On Maks visiting the hospitals, I wouldn’t want my sick kid around him. I’d actually take my child for a walk while he was there as I wouldn’t want my child learning such bad behavior or verbalizing it…kids mimic what they see…
While I used to love Maks, I hope he does get fired. No one should behave in such an unprofessional mannor on tv. We’re there to watch the dancing and have fun not to be drawn into their backstage drama. There’s a time and place for everything. He should have used his platform to talk to the producers not to the public…that was inappropriate and I resent him for taking the fun out of the show for me.
I also would love to know where that blog is to let him know what a former fan thinks of his self centered behavior.
@ courtney
I would like to have my previous post #40 that is awaiting moderation to be withdrawn. I do not want to cause Maks to be in more controversy than he already is. Thank you!
It’s impossible to assess someone based on snippets of footage, but……..
It seemed to me that Hope was having a breakdown. The stress of having to do something on national TV that you CAN’T DO AT ALL must have been awful, especially when your identity is tied to winning in competitive sports. Maks comes across as a misogynist and when you’re around that energy, it’s scary! And as with any true misogynist, women better not let them down. The weeks before the physical violence he was abusing her emotionally and psychologically in the clips (I’ve lost faith in you, etc). She was either crying or on the verge of crying for weeks. They connected with each other over their mutual contempt of the judges and victimhood rather than just admiting she CAN’T DANCE no matter how much he tortures her. It was bizarre to watch. The clip of the judges looking puzzled when Len said “but we were nice to her” to me indicated how strange and unhealthy this bond really is. Hope made it through (what appears to be) her difficult life by hammering her way through and being tough. In this setting, it just made her look like a jerk. In the end, she came across as a furious and shattered little girl with little insight about her behavior. Until Maks confronts his misogyny, he’s going to get lonlier and lonlier and then look out. He can play with all the babies he wants, but you can only go so long without connection and love before you crack.
Diana, sorry if it took us a bit to get your posts approved (which we’re doing for everyone right now to keep the trolls out). If you still want your post deleted, let us know. Thanks!xx
First off, I hate that *silly* hat that he keeps wearing.. Okay got that off my chest. LOL
I hope the producers don’t ask Maks back next season. His behavior was atrocious and Maks and his fans had every excuse in the book to justify it.
I like his take on the final 3. Being the poor sport that he is, I am not sure of the sincerity in his words. That said, I love that he visited the children, maybe there is a lesson to learn from that. Maybe there is a kind soul underneath Maks after all.
@Voguerista
Please delete my post. Thank you so much.
Ok, done!xxx
I hope that someone decides that Maks needs at least a season off. I think some time and distance from the show will be good for all. Hope and Maks seemed to be two very similar personalities, and in the atmosphere of DWTS, this partnership seemed to be almost toxic to me. From my POV, it looked like Hope was resisting Maks every step of the way & I don’t think she ever realized that there is more to dancing than just getting the steps.
I am NOT excusing Maks’ behavior in any way – he is a grown-up (more or less), and has been on the show long enough to know how it works (microphones and all) & has stepped in it on enough previous occasions that he should have a pretty good idea how the public will react. What’s one of the definations of insanity? Repeating a behavior and expecting different results. LOL I also hope that some time away will help Maks get a filter between his brain and his mouth.
I believe that Maks has a good heart, but he does have his flaws. (don’t we all?) He and Hope brought out the worst in each other. Hope, Maks, the judges, and the producers got caught up on a crazy merry-go-round with everyone involved saying and doing things that made the ride increase speed. Now everyone has been knocked off. I hope that all parties involved look at their behaviors that led to this and then learn from it.
As a teacher and a mother, I have seen a lot of behavior problems. I believe in forgiveness, second chances, and encouragement when someone tries to better himself. I think that Maks does feel remorse about his own behavior. I am sure that he also feels bitterness because the show did exploit his mistakes. I know that others want to write him off as irredeemable, but I will continue to support him because I still believe that he is at heart a good man.
Maks has been scrutinized since I started watching four seasons ago! Nasty comments, finding fault with him in every way. Carrie Ann and Len especially! Maks is a great dancer and can keep up with all the dancers…I will tell you I have read so many accounts of “what really happened” and some are so outrageous and false in comparison to what Maks has written… If in fact ABC does not have him back I shall not watch DWTS, I know I am one of many but I think he adds to the “unknown” and yes, he is misunderstood.
I am not a young girl, but as a professional, Maks is truly singled out! Not a Favorite at all…
Oh, How I love references to “what really happened” – the mysterious sources. Yeah, I know lots of behind the scenes stuff too – and mine don’t actually sync up with what you’re saying. Who’s right?? Who cares?
Here’s what you are right about, IMO – Maks HAS been scrutinized since day one. He’s also been on camera since day one and been mic’ed since day one. He’s had a temper since day one. He’s spouted off at the judges since day one. He’s put his foot in his mouth since day one. Nothing we saw this season was NEW, it just escalated from before. So, my question is now – all of this has been happening this way since day one. When is he going to LEARN how this show works?? Clearly, it isn’t changing to fit his needs. And when are his fans going to stop trying to blame everyone else?
I’m wondering how much of this is “familiarity breeds contempt.” Granted, Maks and Hope gave oh so much ammunition to detractors and lost fans all by themselves. But you have to wonder how many of these people we would really want to watch if, over time, we got to see them warts and all? They are no different than family members or co-workers, neighbors. And, for getting through life in one piece, we must overlook warts in those we know well or are related to. If enough people want to see Maks’ butt in the spring, he’ll be back. Question is, is his butt that good?
In a nutshell, I think all the terrible actions we saw on camera were very real unfortunately, and Maks especially should have known better and just should have more respect on some occasions. But the show is also partly to blame for heightening the madness and choosing to show SO MUCH of the negative stuff of Hope & Maks. I wonder if they would have shown the same bad behind-the-scenes footage on the last results show if they weren’t going to be the couple to leave. Do you think they know the results before or after they make the packages for the Tues night show?
Anyway, unless ABC really is that upset at Maks’ behavior and wants to make a point, he will be back in the spring. He is too popular and creates a lot of buzz for the show. I think one season off would be a good choice for all involved. But I still don’t think it will happen.
A lot of the people on this blog are super fans, so we don’t forget things, but the average viewer will have forgotten about the drama of Hope & Maks in the next few weeks and have moved on to the newest celebrity gossip of the moment. Most of them will be fine seeing him again in the spring. My guess is they will have him back but will give him a partner that is less like him personality-wise or who is more charming personality-wise to bring out the ‘Kirstie side’ of Maks instead of the ‘Hope/Brandy’ side. And then….to the average viewer and certainly the Maks super fans, fall 2011 season will be over, forgotten and forgiven.
leave Maks alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I like him and always will. To a point he is right there is great favortism on the show and something should be done about it.
There’s favoritism all right – TO MAKS. Anyone else would have been fired.
It’s amazing how some act as if DWTS fabricated his behavior. Now fans are concerned for his reputation and want him to negotiate with the show to make him look better, or else. You can’t make this stuff up.
I for one hope that Maks and Hope are NOT at the finale. I have had just about enough of their denying, justifying, minimizing and rationalizing. I don’t give a flying fandango what the judges said to those two….nothing they said could be as bad as the disrespectful things that Hope and Maks said and did. There is never a good reason for poor sportsmanship IMO.
Reading all this stuff about Maks brings tears to my eyes. I think none of us knows the true story of what happen over this season. This man goes to hospitals and takes toys to these children. He shares love, hugs, brings presents to these children. if Maks can do this kind of LOVE how can you punish him for having a few bad days. Judges, I give Maks so much credit for what he does.Your the glue that keeps DWTS together but we don’t know what is really bothering Maks.I think you need to understand that sometimes we all do things and we don’t know why we did it. Maybe something happened in the family and doesn’t know how to express it. Maybe he got hurt by someone and he can’t explain why .There are so many things that none of us know what might of happened to Maks this year. Maybe he can’t express it to anyone because he is so hurt. Who knows what, why or when. I don’t think he needs to be fired I see a man that needs to be loved and redirected in a different direction. If your going to hospitals to bring joy to children and help with food for the homeless you are not a bad person. The build-up that he has could be due to his up-bringing.Sometimes you need to give these kind of people love and help. Please keep Maks in your prays and hope the judges will read this and understand that people get hurt and they need some tender loving care. I think you need to pull out his tender side. Please keep Maks on DWTS. Give him 1 more chance. Share the love and give him the love. We all need the Love. I would love to meet Maks and take him under my care to teach and share how we love in the U.S. All my love to the Judges and Maks.KEEP MAKS ALIVE FOR THE YEAR 2012!Love, Kristie