Maksim Chmerkovskiy gave his first interview in a while, talking about both Meryl Davis and Jennifer Lopez.
“Meryl and Maks” were surrounded by dating rumors as they danced passionately last season on Dancing With the Stars, ultimately winning the trophy.
But they never confirmed they were in a relationship.
Maksim recently told People Magazine that he and Meryl remain close but in a non-romantic way, as he also discussed leaving “DWTS” after being on it for about a decade.
“I was a dancing pro on the show for about a decade, and I needed the trophy to show for it. But Meryl was part of that,” he said. “And while I am doing other things, Meryl is a close friend and has become very important in my life. We have new projects together.”
Apparently Chmerkovskiy, whose brother Val is one of the frontrunners in season 19 along with partner Janel Parrish, is studying to become an actor, designing jewelry, and expanding his dance studios.
But he also finds time for women, being connected in the past to the likes of Lopez and other stars.
“I am a hopeless romantic who falls in lust and gets in trouble,” he said. “I love my work and am very productive, yet I always find time to play.”
Asked about Lopez, he smiled but didn’t give much away.
“Yes, she’s great, I have fun,” he said without elaborating. “And while other names are out there ... I am not a scumbag.”
There were rumors that Maks would start judging on “DWTS” after his time as a pro dancer but it appeared that Julianne Hough took his spot.
He wasn’t asked or didn’t comment on reports that he was jealous of Hough.
