Dancing With the Stars pro Gleb Savchenko is setting the record straight after his comments about Alan Bersten sparked criticism online. Savchenko insists he was not attacking his fellow dancer, despite remarks that many viewers interpreted as a dig at Bersten.

The controversy began after Bersten was chosen to replace Val Chmerkovskiy as Jenna Dewan’s dance partner during Chmerkovskiy’s one-week suspension. The suspension followed controversial comments Chmerkovskiy made about judge Carrie Ann Inaba.

Savchenko, 43, who is not competing in Season 35, previously questioned whether Bersten was ready for the role, saying he was “just not up to the level of dancing” required for the show.

In a recent TikTok livestream, recorded and shared online by fans, Savchenko responded to the backlash and explained his position.

“I don’t talk trash about anybody,” he said. “I don’t really want to talk about that kind of stuff, but I have my opinion on things. We live in a culture where people don’t get jokes anymore.”

Savchenko made it clear that he supports Chmerkovskiy, calling himself “100 percent team Val.” He also told fans to “let it f—ing go” as criticism of his earlier remarks continued.

The Russian dancer also questioned the decision to suspend Chmerkovskiy, describing it as “bulls— from the producers’ point of view.”

“Why do you have to punish a dancer who’s literally been there with you for so many years?” he asked.

Savchenko argued that the change also affected Dewan, who had to adjust to a new dance partner and his style in a short time. Bersten had previously been eliminated from the competition alongside his celebrity partner, Giada De Laurentiis.

Despite his criticism of the situation, Savchenko stressed that he has no personal issue with Bersten.

“I love the guy, I love Alan. He’s my friend, we’ve worked together for so many years. He’s a great guy,” he said. “I’m just saying it’s hard. It’s not as easy as you think to be replaced with a partner.”

Savchenko also explained that he believes Bersten has his own strengths as a dancer but should not be compared with Chmerkovskiy.

“Alan is a good dancer for his niche. He’s great for his thing, but he cannot be compared” to Chmerkovskiy, Savchenko said.

He ended his comments by firmly denying that he had been insulting Bersten. “F— off, I’m not talking trash,” he said. “I’m saying it how it is.”

Meanwhile, Bersten and Dewan continued their partnership on Tuesday’s Dedication Night. The pair honored Dewan’s mother, who joined them in the ballroom for the emotional performance.

Speaking to Good Morning America, Dewan reflected on the unexpected partner change and praised Bersten for stepping in.

“Sometimes unexpected things happen and you have to pivot, and then your job is to make the best of that,” she said. “Your mental game is what you’re in control of and I walked in and Alan was just… he really stepped up… Step up!”

The episode also drew attention for actress Julia Stiles, who reunited with her 10 Things I Hate About You castmates on the dance floor while honoring their late costar Heath Ledger.