Maksim Chmerkovskiy blames Len Goodman for messing up Nyle DiMarco's perfect 'Dancing With the Stars' score
Maksim Chmerkovskiy didn't mince words with ET about Monday's Dancing With the Stars scoring blunder.
During last night's show, contestant Nyle DiMarco ruled the night with a flawless waltz set to "I Get to Love You" by Ruelle, but his official score didn't accurately reflect the judges' overall opinion. While Chmerkovskiy and Bruno Tonioli both held up their "10" paddles, their scores were entered as 9s by Len Goodman, who tallies all of the official scores. As a result, the only judge who appeared to award DiMarco with a perfect 10 was Goodman.
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In talking to ET backstage, Chmerkovskiy pointed the finger at Goodman.
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"[DiMarco] did get three 10s," Chmerkovskiy assured ET. "[Goodman] is what? 130 going on 150? So he can't hear very well. We're screaming, '10! 10! 10!' but he wrote down 9."
Despite Chmerkovskiy's frustration, DiMarco, who was the leader of the night, took it all in stride.
"I get the best dance of the week, so I'm happy with that," DiMarco told ET.
Goodman wasn't the only one to feel the wrath of Chmerkovskiy's frustration on Monday. The DWTS judge also called out pro Keo Motsepe for a lackluster waltz with Kim Fields.
"It's literally not a Viennese waltz," Chmerkovskiy complained during the broadcast. "There was half a step of Viennese waltz. I can't even criticize the frame, because there was none."
Backstage, Chmerkovskiy elaborated on his harsh critique.
"I'm his friend. I hope he's still mine, but he definitely has to step up," he said. "I did this job for 10 years. I'm proud of this position, and if you're going to come and replace me, basically, you better bring what I used to bring."
Dancing With the Stars airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
