Maksim Chmerkovskiy Clarifies Relationship With Vanessa Lachey As ‘Never Bad’ Despite Reports

Maksim Chmerkovskiy recently opened up about his relationship with his “Dancing With the Stars” partner, Vanessa Lachey.

While speaking with US Weekly, the professional dancer hinted on the fact that his short-lived feud with Lachey is no longer existent. But when asked to detail their issue, the Ukranian dancer clarified that his relationship with his partner was “never bad” despite initial reports.

“It’s a tough show. Everybody’s going through a bit of a mental lifetime through this whole process, and when you’re good enough to make it all the way, you go through that much more stuff,” he explained.

“We’re a great couple. We’re doing our best. She’s giving me all the time that she should and I can’t wait for this Monday to show what we’ve been working on,” he teased.

Earlier this month, the same publication reported that Chmerkovskiy and Lachey are not in good terms that’s why the pro dancer missed on live performance in the current season of the hit ABC series.

An insider told US Weekly at that time that there has been a lot of fighting between the two behind the cameras. “They’re playing nice for the cameras but both are miserable paired with each other,” the insider said.

On Guilty Pleasures night, “Dancing With the Stars” host Erin Andrews announced that Chmerkovskiy won’t be dancing with Lachey. Andrews did not elaborate further, but she revealed that it was because of his “personal issues.” First-time pro dancer Alan Bersten stepped in to dance with Lachey.

At that time, another source claimed that Chmerkovskiy went as far as not wanting to rehearse with Lachey. This was why he wasn’t featured in their pre-taped interview.

Meanwhile, Chmerkovskiy’s wife, Peta Murgatroyd, and Lachey’s husband, Nick Lachey, are dancing with each other. Despite being at the close bottom of the leader board, the couple’s relationship has been “awesome.” “Nick and Peta are totally fine,” an insider said. “He’s very laid back and sweet. Peta just goes with the flow, she’s easy.”

“Dancing With the Stars” Season 25 airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.