Sorry Ladies – DWTS Season 16 to Go On Without Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

When the Season 16 cast was announced it became more about who wasn’t announced then who was.  Noticeably Maksim Chmerkovskiy name was not announced.  He has been one of the professionals since Season 2.  There were rumors that ABC let him go, so Maks thought it was best to set the record straight.

“I just want to set the record straight to all of my amazing fans that I will unfortunately not be returning for this season of Dancing With the Stars,”

I’ve been a pro dancer on the show for about seven years now and am eager to explore other opportunities that have been made possible because of Dancing With the Stars. I’m going to take this time to dive into producing and acting, while fulfilling my sponsorship obligations.”

He then took the time to thank the show.

SO DID HE GET FIRED?

I actually think he did.  ABC, in their attempt to soften the blow, released a statement saying that the show typically rotates dancers.

“We frequently rotate the professional dancers, so it is not unusual for them to rest a cycle. As we consider who will be matched up each season, there are a lot of factors that dictate which couples make the best pairings. We appreciate each of our dancers’ dedication to the show, so this is a very difficult decision. Anna, Chelsie, Louis, and Maks continue to be a part of the Dancing With the Stars family.”

Maks contract wasn’t set to expire until the end of this year.

DID MAKS ASK FOR IT?

I think so.  Someone got way too cocky.  Back in September last year during an interview with the NY Post, Chmerkvskiy was popping off at the mouth about his job and his future with the show.  During the interview with the NY Post he explained,

“What else do I have to do there after 15 seasons? It makes total sense. The audience can’t expect for me to want to stick around, and the producers can’t expect for me to want to stick around.”
“I loved doing it. But to be honest with you, at 32, I am at what-about-me time.

Well I guess “me time” for Maks is here.  Never smack talk your job while you are still getting’ checks.