Maksim Chmerkovskiy Says 'Dancing With the Stars' Recognition Saved Him When He Was Arrested in Ukraine
etonline.comMaksim Chmerkovskiy has a new reason to be grateful for . The 42-year-old dancer appeared on Friday's episode of , and revealed how being a recognizable face saved him when he was arrested in Ukraine for breaking curfew amid Russia's invasion.«They're like, 'Passport.' I pull out my American passport.
He starts speaking English with me. I'm like, 'I speak Russian.' Then I regretted saying that. I thought maybe it was wrong,» Chmerkovskiy recalled. «Then the guy next to him goes, 'Oh, that's the judge from .
That's Maks. I know him. He's from TV.' He goes, 'Get inside. Right now.'»While Chmerkovskiy, who was a pro dancer on, and did serve as a guest judge a few times, believes that «it would've been fine» if he hadn't been dismissed, he knows being recognized for his work «absolutely» saved him from being detained.«It's not like I was going to get shot.
I was going to get probably put somewhere where I can sit until they figure out who I am and check my identity, whatever it is.
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