Dancing With the Stars’ Jen Affleck Defends Partner Jan Ravnik From “Slander” After Harsh Criticism
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Dancing With the Stars star Jen Affleck claps back at criticism of her partner Jan Ravnik after Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd question his credentials. Here’s how she defended him and what fans are saying.
Jen Affleck Fires Back at Critics Defending Jan Ravnik
Dancing With the Stars contestant Jen Affleck isn’t staying silent when it comes to defending her dance partner Jan Ravnik. After former DWTS pros Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd publicly criticized Jan’s casting on Season 34, Jen took to TikTok on October 27 to call out what she described as “slander” against the talented performer.
In the lighthearted yet pointed video, Jen, 26, appeared visibly frustrated as she typed on her phone beside Jan, who simply shook his head while an audio clip played: “Take it down, take it down, we need it gone.”
Overlaying the clip, Jen wrote: “Me when anyone talks trash about Jan.”
Her caption was even clearer: “We don’t tolerate Jan slander in this house.”
The post quickly went viral, with fans flooding the comments to show their support. DWTS pro Ezra Sosa even jumped in, writing: “I’ll ride at dawn for this man.”
What Sparked the Controversy
Three days before Jen’s video, DWTS veterans Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd voiced strong opinions on Jan’s inclusion in the show during the October 24 episode of Peta’s podcast, The Penthouse With Peta.
“I’m sorry, Jan has absolutely no business being a pro on Dancing With the Stars,” Maks said, arguing that the Slovenian dancer—best known for performing on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour—lacked ballroom technique and understanding of partner-based choreography.
He went on to critique Jan’s Wicked-themed foxtrot routine with Jen, adding:
“He had no idea what a foxtrot is supposed to look like. How are you going to expect him to teach it in a ballroom format? It’s absurd.”
Peta agreed with her husband’s assessment, saying she “felt bad” for Jen, believing she wasn’t getting the ballroom foundation she needed.
“He’s a Taylor Swift dancer. That’s the obvious reason why he’s hired,” she said. “He’s a great dancer, a lovely guy, but hiring a non-ballroom dancer to teach ballroom is outrageous.”
Neither Jan nor ABC has publicly responded to the remarks.
Fans Rally Behind Jan Ravnik
The backlash from Maks and Peta ignited strong fan reactions across social media, with many defending Jan’s artistry and adaptability. Viewers praised his chemistry with Jen and applauded his stage experience from performing with global icons like Taylor Swift.
Jen’s supportive post only amplified the positive momentum, with fans hailing her loyalty and team spirit. “You can see the trust between them—it’s what makes their dances shine,” one user commented.
Behind the Ballroom Drama: DWTS Pay and Pairing Secrets
While the spotlight remains on Jen and Jan, fans have also reignited curiosity about how DWTS works behind the scenes — from how much celebrities earn to how partners are paired.
According to past reports by Variety and comments from former contestants, celebrities earn around $125,000 for initial rehearsals and early episodes, with bonuses each week they advance — potentially reaching $295,000 or more.
Pros, on the other hand, reportedly receive base pay for appearing, with longer runs yielding higher paychecks. However, they don’t get extra money for winning, though they do receive end-of-season bonuses.
Pairings are kept tightly under wraps until filming, based on factors like height, personality, and chemistry. “You get no say,” former pro Lindsay Arnold said on a podcast earlier this year. “They just hand you your partner and say, ‘Make it work.’”
A Season Full of Emotion
Season 34 has been one of DWTS’ most talked-about seasons yet — balancing dazzling routines with emotional moments and off-stage debates. Despite the criticism, Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik remain crowd favorites for their enthusiasm, creativity, and strong partnership.
As one fan put it: “They may not have traditional ballroom experience, but they’ve got something you can’t teach — connection.”
Summary:
- Jen Affleck defends her DWTS partner Jan Ravnik against “slander” after criticism from Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd.
- Critics argue Jan lacks ballroom expertise; fans and fellow dancers support him.
- Behind the scenes, DWTS pay, partner pairings, and practice schedules reveal the intensity of the competition.
- Jen and Jan continue to shine as one of Season 34’s most discussed duos.
