Val Chmerkovskiy has slammed Dancing with the Stars romances as "unprofessional," saying a pro partner shouldn't "sh-t where you eat."

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As Dancing with the Stars aired its 33rd season, rumors swirled about potential romances blossoming behind the scenes.

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Fans speculated that Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber were romantically involved, and reports circulated about how Gleb Savchenko and Brooks Nader were hooking up. (Gleb and Brooks have since confirmed they are dating).

During a recent appearance on the "Lightweights Podcast," Val, a three-time Mirrorball Trophy champion, explained to Joe Vulpis how he doesn't think it's appropriate for the pro dancers to date their celebrity partners.

"This is one [soundbite] that's going to get me into trouble, also because I've been guilty of this a long time ago, in my first couple of seasons," Val said.

"I've been given partners that I did have romantic exchanges with -- incredibly unprofessional to do so in my mind," Val noted on the podcast's December 3 episode.

"Because I'm here as their teacher and as their partner, and I'm probably, in some way or another, in a position of authority to them. Like, 'don't sh-t where you eat' thing kind of thing comes into play."

Val insisted that he's "very serious" about his job on Dancing with the Stars and so he doesn't think it was right to have gotten "involved."

"Now after a season, that's different. We're both adults, we're not at work. But during the season, I feel like that was a bit irresponsible at times," Val reasoned.

"And it cost me great seasons! Now, the fans got a really dope show and got to create really awesome narratives around it. But behind closed doors, I undermined my own season by doing that."

Val is currently married to fellow DWTS pro Jenna Johnson, whom he met when she joined the show as a Troupe member back in 2014.

Prior to his relationship with Jenna, Val had been linked to his Season 19 partner, Janel Parrish, as well as his Season 23 partner Amber Rose.

"I had a few partnerships that I was involved with," Val conceded.

"But I was genuinely involved with them. This situation here [with Gleb and Brooks] is just insane. And I think social media has fueled even more of it. When I was [starting] the show, social media wasn't as vibrant as it is now. Social media has really elevated the game."

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Val and Jenna tied the knot in 2019, and they welcomed a son Rome in 2023.

Val also suggested a Dancing with the Stars romance can disrupt or interfere with the competition.

A romance may also complicate a celebrity's journey on the show and his or her overall experience.

Val pointed out how his opinion may not be the popular one and he's not going to judge any of the pros who are behaving differently.

The one thing Val would ask of those pros, however, is to make sure the relationship is authentic and not made-for-TV or created to secure extra votes.

"When it's genuine, it's awesome," Val clarified. "When it's authentic and it's two consenting adults enjoying their time together, I love that. It's a beautiful thing."

The pro dancer and choreographer continued, "But when it's two adults putting on a show because they know they can manipulate the algorithm to give them more likes and more views and more this -- I just don't like anything that's inauthentic."

Val admitted he loves an authentic DWTS relationship because he "loves love."

But Val shared how relationship intrigue aren't necessary for a Dancing with the Stars couple to make it far into -- or win -- the competition. In fact, chemistry on and off the stage can exist without it being sexual.

For instance, Jenna was partnered with The Bachelor alum Joey Graziadei for Season 33 and they ended up winning the show despite being in relationships with other people.

Joey is engaged to Kelsey Anderson, the winner of The Bachelor's 28th season, which aired earlier this year.

"Chemistry doesn't always have to have a sexual essence behind it," Val stated.

"Chemistry is camaraderie. Chemistry is compatibility. Chemistry is friendship. When you trust somebody, you open up to somebody."

According to host Alfonso Ribeiro, the Dancing with the Stars' Season 33 competition was "one of the closest ever" on the show.

Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher and pro partner Alan Bersten finished Dancing with the Stars in second place, and TV star Chandler Kinney and pro partner Brandon Armstrong placed third.

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Olympic medalist Stephen Nedoroscik and pro partner Rylee Arnold claimed fourth place, and Super Bowl champion Danny Amendola and pro partner Witney Carson landed in fifth place this season.


About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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