<ul class="summary-list"><li>Dancer <keyword id="14255613" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="peta-murgatroyd" source="Orion">Peta Murgatroyd</keyword> revealed in a People cover story that she's had three miscarriages. </li><li>She had her first loss in fall 2020 and her third while sick with COVID-19 and unaware she was pregnant.</li></ul><p>Former "<keyword id="11957118" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="dancing-with-the-stars" source="Orion">Dancing With the Stars</keyword>" professional dancer <a href="https://people.com/parents/peta-murgatroyd-reveals-three-miscarriages-husband-maks-chmerkovskiy/">Peta Murgatroyd told People</a> in an interview published on Tuesday that she had a <keyword id="11966286" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="miscarriage" source="Orion">miscarriage</keyword> in October 2021 while she was also sick with COVID-19. Her husband <keyword id="13249030" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="maksim-chmerkovskiy" source="Orion">Maksim Chmerkovskiy</keyword> was working overseas <a href="https://www.insider.com/dancing-with-the-stars-maksim-chmerkovskiy-stuck-in-kyiv-ukraine-2022-2">in Ukraine as a judge on a dancing show</a> at the time, and Murgatroyd was unaware that she was pregnant.</p><p>"I had no strength. I couldn't open a dishwasher. I couldn't open the fridge to feed Shai, to get him some toast," she said, referring to the couple's 5-year-old son. "It got so bad that my breath was starting to be affected. It was really dramatic."</p><p>Murgatroyd called for an ambulance from the floor of Shai's bedroom, where she was unable to move. Chmerkovskiy was on speakerphone <a href="https://www.insider.com/maksim-chmerkovskiy-dancing-with-the-stars-arrest-ukraine-2022-2">from Ukraine</a> when the doctor told Murgatroyd she had miscarried and he misheard the doctor's words. </p><p>"He said, 'Did you know you were pregnant?'" Murgatroyd recalled the doctor asking. From overseas via a phone laying on her chest, Murgatroyd said that her husband incorrectly heard the doctor say "you're pregnant" and was overjoyed before realizing the actual news was that she'd lost the pregnancy.</p><p>Murgatroyd said she had started bleeding two days earlier but thought she was having her period. She said she thinks not knowing she was pregnant for the third time "was better for my recovery because I didn't have that super joyous moment of, 'I'm pregnant again!'"</p><p>"I just had the moment of, 'You lost it,'" she continued. </p><div type="image" title="A man and woman (Maksim Chmerkovsky and Peta Murgatroyd) stand smiling for the camera in all-black outfits at a red carpet event." height="1499" width="1999" msid="92373665" hostid="261" sizebytes="145448"></div><p>Pregnancy increases the risk of complications from COVID-19 — including <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/women-share-what-its-like-get-covid-19-pregnancy-2022-1">severe illness, hospitalization, and death</a> — due to changes to the immune system and <a href="https://www.science.org/content/article/why-pregnant-women-face-special-risks-covid-19">added stress on the heart and lungs</a>. The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7047e1.htm">US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> found in November 2021 that the association works both ways: having COVID-19 was linked to a greater risk of <a href="https://hms.harvard.edu/news/pregnancy-delta-variant">stillbirth and miscarriage</a>.</p><h2>The dancer had two prior miscarriages</h2><div type="image" title="Peta Murgatroyd attends Nickelodeon's 2016 Kids' Choice Awards" height="3019" width="4026" msid="92373667" hostid="261" sizebytes="265820"></div><p>In the interview with People, Murgatroyd said she had her first miscarriage in the fall of 2020 while she was competing as a pro on "<keyword id="12110722" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="dwts" source="Orion">DWTS</keyword>." She said she went back to work just two days after the experience.</p><p>"I was completely embarrassed, ultimately ashamed. I didn't even know how to utter the words and have that sentence come out of my mouth: I had a miscarriage," she said. "I'm somebody who prides herself on <keyword id="11894571" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="health" source="Orion">health</keyword> wellness. I exercise every single day. But as I came to realize, that doesn't really go hand-in-hand with the reproductive system."</p><p>She miscarried for the second time nine months after her first miscarriage. In the meantime, commenters on social media were asking questions like, "How could you not have another baby?" and insisting that her son should have a sibling, she recalled.</p><p>"The 'how could you not' threw me off a ledge," she said in a video accompanying the cover story. "I was like, 'if only you knew what was actually going on with my family, you would never say that.'"</p><h2>Murgatroyd said her doctors believe she has a hormonal imbalance</h2><div type="image" title="(L-R) Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd attend the 2021 World Choreography Awards" height="2000" width="2666" msid="92373669" hostid="261" sizebytes="419284"></div><p>Murgatroyd said doctors think she has Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (<keyword id="11987439" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pcos" source="Orion">PCOS</keyword>), a hormonal disorder that can impact fertility and pregnancy. About <a href="https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome">one in every 10 women of childbearing age have PCOS</a>, and many don't find out until they're trying to get pregnant, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.</p><p>Doctors previously told Insider that <a href="https://www.insider.com/pcos-pregnancy-complications-2018-3">people with PCOS may have trouble conceiving</a> because the imbalance of hormones can cause irregular periods. PCOS is also associated with a <a href="https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pcos/more_information/FAQs/pregnancy">three-fold increased risk of early pregnancy loss</a>, as well as other complications during pregnancy.</p><p>The "DWTS" couple is working with fertility specialists to get pregnant again, Murgatroyd said. Assisted reproductive technologies like <a href="https://www.insider.com/fertility-after-40-women-open-up-about-the-realities-ivf-2022-3">in vitro fertilization (IVF)</a> may help people with PCOS get pregnant, but other factors like age and weight also impact success rates. Doctors may also prescribe medication to jump-start <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/how-to-get-pregnant-with-pcos">the hormones that trigger ovulation</a>, Insider reported.</p>

Former 'DWTS' pro Peta Murgatroyd reveals she had third miscarriage while husband Maks Chmerkovskiy was in Ukraine

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Maksim Chmerkovskiy paid tribute to his late "Dancing with the Stars" partner Kirstie Alley.</li><li>"I thought you'd be around forever. I wish we spoke often," the dancer wrote on Instagram.</li></ul><p>Maksim Chmerkovskiy paid tribute to his former "Dancing with the Stars" partner Kirstie Alley in an emotional Instagram post on Monday, shortly after news of Alley's death broke.</p><p>"We haven't spoken lately and I'll tell you everything when I finally see you, but for now I want to say that I love you very much and I wish you the most peaceful rest," Chmerkovskiy wrote alongside a photo of him and Alley from season 12 of "DWTS." </p><p>The dancer called Alley "one of the most unique people I have ever met and easily one of the brightest moments of my personal and professional life." </p><p>And while Chmerkovskiy noted that the true depths of their relationship were "known to select few," he called his bond with Alley "a wild rollercoaster." </p><p>"I remember how absolutely wild you were and I start to tear up. Something you'd absolutely hate," Chmerkovskiy wrote, adding: "And now I can't help but smile because I remembered exactly what you wanted me to say at your funeral. Don't think I can do it here…"</p><p>He ended his post on a poignant note, telling the late Alley, "I thought you'd be around forever. I wish we spoke often."</p><p>"Thank you for everything. I love you Kirstie Alley. RIP," Chmerkovskiy concluded.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl0SN-yO8_Q" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank"></a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Maksim Chmerkovskiy (@maksimc)<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime=""></time></p></div></blockquote><p>Chmerkovskiy and Alley competed on season 12 of ABC's reality dancing program in 2011 and ended up <a href="https://people.com/tv/maksim-chmerkovskiy-remembers-dwts-partner-kirstie-alley/">coming in second</a>. They later reunited for an all-star season of "DWTS" the following year.</p><p>Alley, perhaps <a href="https://www.insider.com/kirstie-alley-life-and-career-in-pictures-2022-12">best known for her work on the TV show "Cheers,"</a> died on Monday, <a href="https://www.insider.com/kirstie-alley-actress-from-the-tv-show-cheers-has-died-at-age-71-2022-12">her children announced</a> on Twitter. The 71-year-old actress' death came after a short battle with cancer that was "only recently discovered," according to her children's statement.</p><p>Per t<a href="https://www.insider.com/kirstie-alley-actress-from-the-tv-show-cheers-has-died-at-age-71-2022-12">he statement</a>, Alley is survived by her children with <a href="https://www.insider.com/kirstie-alley-parker-stevenson-husband-tribute-death-2022-12">ex-husband Parker Stevenson</a> — William True, 30, and Lillie, 28 — and "her many animals." </p>

Maksim Chmerkovskiy pays tribute to late 'Dancing with the Stars' partner Kirstie Alley: 'I wish you the most peaceful rest'

<ul class="summary-list"><li>"<keyword id="11957118" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="dancing-with-the-stars" source="Orion">Dancing With the Stars</keyword>" alum <keyword id="13249030" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="maksim-chmerkovskiy" source="Orion">Maksim Chmerkovskiy</keyword> said he was briefly arrested in <keyword id="11985141" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ukraine" source="Orion">Ukraine</keyword> on Monday.</li><li>He told "Good Morning America" that it was because he broke curfew.</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/category/maksim-chmerkovskiy">Maksim Chmerkovskiy</a> said he was briefly arrested earlier this week in Ukraine for breaking curfew, but he said on "Good Morning America" that he was recognized as a "Dancing With the Stars" judge and let go.</p><p>For the past week, the professional dancer has been posting videos on Instagram that detail his "traumatizing" experience in Ukraine amid Russia's invasion. On Monday, <a href="https://www.insider.com/maksim-chmerkovskiy-dancing-with-the-stars-arrest-ukraine-2022-2">Chmerkovskiy said</a> he'd been arrested but didn't explain why. He said the incident was a "reality check" that prompted him to try to leave the country. </p><p>The Ukrainian-born dancer, who immigrated to the US in the 1990s as a teenager and is now a citizen, <a href="https://www.insider.com/watch-maksim-chmerkovskiy-reunite-wife-ukraine-2022-3">arrived in California</a> on Thursday night.</p><p>On Friday, he spoke with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXDrlL2Cmp4">"Good Morning America"</a> about his time in Ukraine and further explained the arrest. While outside in the city at night, men stopped Chmerkovskiy and asked to see his passport, he said. When they saw that it was a US passport, they started speaking to Chmerkovskiy in English, he continued. But he told them he spoke Russian.</p><p>"Then I regretted saying that. I thought maybe it was wrong," the dancer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXDrlL2Cmp4">said</a> on ABC's morning show. "But then the guy next to him goes, 'Oh, that's the judge from "Dancing With the Stars." That's Maks. I know him. He's from TV.' He goes, 'Get inside right now.'" </p><iframe width="643" height="362" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rXDrlL2Cmp4" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>Chmerkovskiy said he didn't feel in danger of being harmed — "I wasn't going to get shot," he said — but the brief arrest made him realize that he didn't have everything he needed "to feel safe" in the country.</p><p>As reported by <a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/val-chmerkovskiy-jenna-johnson-pray-for-maks-return-from-ukraine/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Us Weekly</a>, the pro dancer had temporarily returned to Ukraine to serve as a judge on the country's version of "Dancing With the Stars." At first he told Instagram followers that it <a href="https://www.insider.com/dancing-with-the-stars-maksim-chmerkovskiy-stuck-in-kyiv-ukraine-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">wouldn't be safe</a> for him to leave Kyiv, but following his brief arrest, he decided to try to return home. Earlier this week, <a href="https://www.insider.com/maksim-chmerkovskiy-describes-traumatizing-train-escape-ukraine-russia-invasion-2022-3">he shared</a> Instagram videos of himself taking a train, which brought him across the border to Poland, where he was able to get a flight back to the US. </p><p>Russia's conflict with Ukraine has been rumbling for years, but it escalated dramatically in recent weeks. Russia assembled vast numbers of troops around Ukraine — <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-up-to-190000-troops-near-ukraine-us-ambassador-osce-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">as many as 190,000</a>, the US estimated — in the largest military operation in the region since World War II.</p><p>Last week, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-recognizes-ukrainian-separatist-regions-independent-states-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Putin recognized</a> the claims to independence of the breakaway Luhansk and Donetsk areas of Ukraine, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-orders-russia-troops-to-ukraine-major-escalation-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ordering troops there</a> for what he described as a limited peacekeeping operation in the east of the country.</p><p>Less than 72 hours later, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-announces-military-assault-against-ukraine-in-surprise-speech-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Putin authorized</a> a full-scale attack on Ukraine. In the hours that followed, explosions <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-attacks-ukraine-launching-new-war-in-europe-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">pounded cities</a> around Ukraine, many hundreds of miles from the previous conflict zone. Ukrainian officials reported fighting on its borders with Russia and dozens of casualties.</p><p><em>Insider's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/live-updates-russia-ukraine-crisis-2022-2?_ga=2.9078965.1407731506.1646237805-2144611217.1646237804" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">live blog</a> of the invasion is covering developments as they happen. </em></p>

Maksim Chmerkovskiy says he was arrested in Ukraine for breaking curfew, but was quickly let go when a man recognized him from 'Dancing With the Stars'

<ul class="summary-list"><li>"<keyword id="11957118" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="dancing-with-the-stars" source="Orion">Dancing with the Stars</keyword>" alum <keyword id="13249030" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="maksim-chmerkovskiy" source="Orion">Maksim Chmerkovskiy</keyword> is officially back in the United States.</li><li>On Wednesday night, <keyword id="11896019" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="entertainment" source="Orion">Entertainment</keyword> Tonight captured a video of the moment he reunited with his wife.</li></ul><p>After two tense weeks spent documenting the Russian invasion in <keyword id="11985141" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ukraine" source="Orion">Ukraine</keyword> from downtown Kyiv, "Dancing with the Stars" pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy has made it safely back to the United States. </p><p>The professional dancer reunited with his wife, Peta Murgatroyd, at LAX airport in Los Angeles, California, on Wednesday night. </p><p>Paparazzi and news outlets, <a href="https://www.etonline.com/maksim-chmerkovskiy-emotionally-reunites-with-wife-peta-murgatroyd-talks-return-from-ukraine-180148">including Entertainment Tonight (ET)</a>, were there documenting the emotional moment. </p><p>In a video shared by ET on Twitter, you can see Chmerkovskiy arriving to the baggage area of the airport and go straight to his wife. The couple embrace for a long moment, and after separating Chmerkovskiy pulls her in for a second hug and a kiss. </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Entertainment Tonight  (@etnow) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1499204999489855491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2022</a></blockquote><p>When asked for a statement on how he was feeling, the professional dancer and judge had few words.</p><p>"I just don't want to resent peace somewhere else because of what I just saw. That's the reality," he told ET. "I don't know really what to say right this second."</p><p>Chmerkovskiy, who was born in Ukraine but immigrated to the US in the 90s, had been in the country working as a judge for their version of "Dancing with the Stars." He was <a href="https://www.insider.com/dancing-with-the-stars-maksim-chmerkovskiy-posts-video-from-ukraine-2022-2">staying in downtown Kyiv when the Russian invasion began</a>, and had kept Instagram followers up-to-date with video messages throughout <a href="https://www.insider.com/maksim-chmerkovskiy-describes-traumatizing-train-escape-ukraine-russia-invasion-2022-3">his journey back home to the US, which included an arrest and a "traumatizing" train ride out of the country.</a></p>

Watch the emotional reunion of Maksim Chmerkovskiy and his wife Peta Murgatroyd after he returns home from his 'traumatizing' experience in Ukraine

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="13249030" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="maksim-chmerkovskiy" source="Orion">Maksim Chmerkovskiy</keyword> said on an Instagram Live video that it "felt wrong" leaving <keyword id="11985141" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ukraine" source="Orion">Ukraine</keyword>.</li><li>The dancer was one of many who have fled the country since <keyword id="11894337" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="russia" source="Orion">Russia</keyword> invaded last week.</li></ul><p>"<keyword id="11957118" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="dancing-with-the-stars" source="Orion">Dancing with the Stars</keyword>" alum Maksim "Maks" Chmerkovskiy said he felt guilty about leaving Ukraine amid the Russian invasion on an Instagram Live video.</p><p>Last week, Chmerkovskiy was in Kyiv when <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-announces-military-assault-against-ukraine-in-surprise-speech-2022-2">Putin authorized a full-scale attack</a> and has been posting updates on Instagram about <a href="https://www.insider.com/dancing-with-the-stars-maksim-chmerkovskiy-posts-video-from-ukraine-2022-2">what's going on in the country.</a> On Tuesday, he revealed via his Instagram Story that he had made it <a href="https://www.insider.com/maksim-chmerkovskiy-describes-traumatizing-train-escape-ukraine-russia-invasion-2022-3">out of the country via a train</a> to Warsaw, Poland, and said the experience was "TRAUMATIZING."</p><p>On an Instagram Live video, which was later posted on his page, Chmerkovskiy told the audience more about the train journey. The dancer said he had been awake for 36 hours and did not sleep on the train because there was no place to lay down.</p><p>"I had fucking claustrophobia at one point," He said in the video. "I was constantly stretching to make sure I don't get stiff. And I stood because I felt wrong leaving. I felt wrong being on that train. I still feel guilty being on that train."</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cakxk3Oopoi" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank"></a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Maksim Chmerkovskiy (@maksimc)<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime=""></time></p></div></blockquote><p>Chmerkovskiy said he went to the back of the train to make sure he wasn't taking up space for women and children.</p><p>He also said that leaving Ukraine was hard because he had just "reconnected" with his native country when shooting a Ukrainian version of "Dancing with the Stars" last year. His family had moved to America in 1994. He compared the experience to being adopted, finding your birth parent, and then being separated again.</p><p>"I thought about it, my guilt," He said. "I started to think about this and I came up with this analogy. In '94, I was put up for adoption and I got adopted by a beautiful, young, vibrant, exciting, forward-thinking country and I fell in love and I left Ukraine in '94 a sad, sad person because I felt like I was getting unrooted."</p><p>The 42-year-old choreographer continued: "I'm having a very fucking hard time leaving right now. I'm having a horrible time. I'm having very mixed emotions. I have my friends there, my friends in [the] frontline."</p><p>Chmerkovskiy added: "I can't hear from some of the people. I can't get in touch with them. I don't know if they're dead."</p><div type="image" title="Family waits for train in Ukraine." height="2912" width="3882" msid="89950010" hostid="261"></div><p>The choreographer has now boarded a plane to LA but he insisted on the video that "this isn't over."</p><p>After the invasion began, Chmerkovskiy said he was staying in Kyiv because he had heard that <a href="https://www.insider.com/dancing-with-the-stars-maksim-chmerkovskiy-stuck-in-kyiv-ukraine-2022-2">it was "not safe" to leave.</a> However, earlier this week he said that he had been <a href="https://www.insider.com/maksim-chmerkovskiy-dancing-with-the-stars-arrest-ukraine-2022-2">arrested in Ukraine and was now trying to get out of the country.</a></p><p>The Ukrainian-born dancer has also been sharing resources for those who want to help those in the country, including the <a href="https://bethenny.com/bstrong">aid that "The Real Housewives of New York" star Bethenny Frankel set up</a> for those who cross the border into Poland. </p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/live-updates-russia-ukraine-crisis-2022-2?_ga=2.252149129.1810781000.1645883609-1601951960.1642467532" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Insider's live blog of the invasion</a> is covering developments as they happen.</p>

Maksim Chmerkovskiy says he feels 'guilt' and 'mixed emotions' after fleeing Ukraine amid Russian invasion

<ul class="summary-list"><li>"<keyword id="11957118" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="dancing-with-the-stars" source="Orion">Dancing with the Stars</keyword>" alum <keyword id="13249030" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="maksim-chmerkovskiy" source="Orion">Maksim Chmerkovskiy</keyword> said he was going into a bomb shelter on Friday.</li><li>The Ukrainian-born dancer is currently in <keyword id="13017749" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="kyiv" source="Orion">Kyiv</keyword> and has been posting updates from his home country.</li></ul><p>"Dancing with the Stars" alum Maksim Chmerkovskiy shared an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/maksimc/">I</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/maksimc/">nstagram</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/maksimc/"> story</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/maksimc/"> on</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/maksimc/"> Friday</a> that he was going into a bomb shelter in Kyiv and that "everybody's a little panicked" after sirens blared.</p><p>Chmerkovskiy <a href="https://www.insider.com/dancing-with-the-stars-maksim-chmerkovskiy-stuck-in-kyiv-ukraine-2022-2">said in his Instagram stories on Thursday that he was "stuck"</a> in <keyword id="11985141" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ukraine" source="Orion">Ukraine</keyword>'s capital of Kyiv because he heard it was "not safe" to move toward the border and attempt to leave. Prior to his statement on Friday, he said he was anticipating airstrikes in Kyiv. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-invades-ukraine-eyewitnesses-to-bombing-of-kyiv-odessa-kharkiv-2022-2">Eyewitnesses have reported explosions and gunfire</a> throughout the country since the Russian invasion began.</p><p>"I don't know the answer. I just want the shooting to stop," Chmerkovskiy said.</p><p>Chmerkovskiy also said on Friday that he was preparing to relocate throughout the night due to the ongoing sirens in the city.</p><p>"They said it's going to be like this, up and down, all night today," he said. "There's going to be sirens, we're going to be told to go, and we'll see what happens."</p><p>Representatives for Chmerkovskiy declined to comment. <a href="https://www.insider.com/dancing-with-the-stars-maksim-chmerkovskiy-posts-video-from-ukraine-2022-2">A representative for Chmerkovskiy referred Insider's Kim Renfro</a> back to his video updates as his official comments on Thursday.</p><p>The Ukrainian-born professional dancer has been <a href="https://www.insider.com/dancing-with-the-stars-maksim-chmerkovskiy-posts-video-from-ukraine-2022-2">posting live video updates</a> for his followers this week after <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-announces-military-assault-against-ukraine-in-surprise-speech-2022-2">Putin authorized a full-scale assault on the country</a>. Chmerkovskiy has been living in Kyiv on and off for the last six months while serving as a judge on the country's version of "Dancing with the Stars," <a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/val-chmerkovskiy-jenna-johnson-pray-for-maks-return-from-ukraine/">as reported by Us Weekly</a>.</p><p>The dancer has also been sharing resources for those who want to help Ukrainians, including the <a href="https://bethenny.com/bstrong">aid that "The Real Housewives of New York" star Bethenny Frankel set up</a> for those who cross the border into Poland. He also advocated against war, saying in a video Saturday that the people of Ukraine shouldn't be involved in the conflict. Chmerkovskiy appeared to be outside the bomb shelter in the updates posted on Saturday.</p><p>"The kids and elderly are not part of this. The women are not part of this. Fuck it, man, even the men are not part of this. We didn't choose to be. There's got to be a way to pause it and continue talking for as long as it takes," he said. </p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/live-updates-russia-ukraine-crisis-2022-2?_ga=2.252149129.1810781000.1645883609-1601951960.1642467532" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Insider's live blog of the invasion</a> is covering developments as they happen.</p>

'Dancing with the Stars' alum Maksim Chmerkovskiy said he wants 'the shooting to stop' as he prepared to go into a bomb shelter in Ukraine

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Former "<keyword id="11957118" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="dancing-with-the-stars" source="Orion">Dancing With the Stars</keyword>" pro <keyword id="13249030" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="maksim-chmerkovskiy" source="Orion">Maksim Chmerkovskiy</keyword> is posting Instagram updates from <keyword id="11985141" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ukraine" source="Orion">Ukraine</keyword>.</li><li>Though he lives in the US, he's been in Kyiv working as a judge on their dance competition show.</li></ul><p>"Dancing with the Stars" alum Maksim Chmerkovskiy said he's currently "stuck" in Kyiv after <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-announces-military-assault-against-ukraine-in-surprise-speech-2022-2">Putin authorized a full-scale attack on the country.</a></p><p>On Thursday, the Ukrainian-born professional dancer <a href="https://www.insider.com/dancing-with-the-stars-maksim-chmerkovskiy-posts-video-from-ukraine-2022-2">began updating his 886,000 followers on Instagram about his location and current safety</a> in Ukraine. By Friday, Chmerkovskiy said he had heard it's "not safe" to move towards the border and attempt to leave. </p><p>"I'm safe. We haven't been told to move and I'm just following instructions," he said in <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaZgYsXACcA/">an Instagram video</a>. "That's all I can say."</p><p>Chmerkovskiy was born in Ukraine in 1980 and immigrated to the US with his family in the mid-90s, according to <a href="https://people.com/celebrity/dwts-maksim-valentin-chmerkovskiy-immigrant-story-fleeing-ukraine-bullied-usa/">People magazine</a>. He and his brother, Valentin, continued their professional dance career in the US and eventually became contestants on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." As <a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/val-chmerkovskiy-jenna-johnson-pray-for-maks-return-from-ukraine/">reported by Us Weekly</a>, Chmerkovskiy had temporarily returned to his home country of Ukraine to serve as a judge on their version of the same TV series. </p><p>In his Instagram video update, Chmerkovskiy said he's talking to local friends in Ukraine who tell him the situation is "pretty dire."</p><p>"People are being mobilized. The whole country's been called to go to war," he said. "Men, women, boys, these people that I was judging some days ago in dance competitions, are going forward and getting guns and getting deployed to defend the country."</p><p>"I'm not reporting the news," Chmerkovskiy continued, adding that she's just sharing  his thoughts "from my experience and people that I'm talking to are very aggressively charged."</p><p>His brother, Valentin, and wife Peta Murgatroyd have been vocal on their own Instagram accounts, asking for fans and followers to <a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/val-chmerkovskiy-jenna-johnson-pray-for-maks-return-from-ukraine/">"pray" for Chmerkovskiy's safe return home to the US</a>. </p><p>But for now, the professional dancer said he can't even attempt to get home.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaZgYsXACcA" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank"></a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Maksim Chmerkovskiy (@maksimc)<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime=""></time></p></div></blockquote><p>"I'm not currently trying to leave," he said on Instagram. "I'm staying here. I'm gonna do my best to make sure I'm as safe as possible, but I am not moving towards the border currently."</p><p>Chmerkovskiy said that his friends shared with him "that it's quite dangerous and a lot of senseless activity is going on outside of war stuff" closer to the borders.</p><p>On Thursday, a representative for Chmerkovskiy <a href="https://www.insider.com/dancing-with-the-stars-maksim-chmerkovskiy-posts-video-from-ukraine-2022-2">declined to add an additional statement</a>, referring Insider back to Chmerkovskiy's video updates as his official comments. </p><p>Russia's conflict with Ukraine has been rumbling for years but escalated dramatically in recent weeks. Russia assembled vast numbers of troops around Ukraine — <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-up-to-190000-troops-near-ukraine-us-ambassador-osce-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">as many as 190,000, per US estimates</a> — in the largest military operation in the region since World War II.</p><p>On Monday, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-recognizes-ukrainian-separatist-regions-independent-states-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Putin recognized the claims to independence</a> of the breakaway Luhansk and Donetsk areas of Ukraine, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-orders-russia-troops-to-ukraine-major-escalation-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ordering troops there</a> for what he described as a limited peacekeeping operation in the east of the country.</p><p>Less than 72 hours later, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-announces-military-assault-against-ukraine-in-surprise-speech-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Putin authorized a full-scale attack on Ukraine</a>. In the hours that followed, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-attacks-ukraine-launching-new-war-in-europe-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">explosions pounded cities around Ukraine</a>, many hundreds of miles from the previous conflict zone. Ukrainian officials reported fighting on its borders with Russia and dozens of casualties.</p><p><em> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/live-updates-russia-ukraine-crisis-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Insider's live blog of the invasion</a> is covering developments as they happen. </em></p>

'Dancing With the Stars' alum Maksim Chmerkovskiy says he's staying in Kyiv for now because it's 'not safe' to leave

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Former "<keyword id="11957118" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="dancing-with-the-stars" source="Orion">Dancing With the Stars</keyword>" pro <keyword id="13249030" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="maksim-chmerkovskiy" source="Orion">Maksim Chmerkovskiy</keyword> shared Instagram video updates from <keyword id="11985141" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ukraine" source="Orion">Ukraine</keyword>.</li><li>Sirens could be heard in the background as he spoke about the "scary" situation happening in Kyiv. </li></ul><p>Ukrainian-born professional dancer and "Dancing with the Stars" alum Maksim "Maks" Chmerkovskiy is posting live video updates from downtown Kyiv after <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-announces-military-assault-against-ukraine-in-surprise-speech-2022-2">Putin authorized a full-scale attack on the country.</a> </p><p>On Thursday morning in Ukraine, Chmerkovskiy uploaded a video post on Instagram, letting his 757,000 followers know that he was safe for the time being. Downtown Kyiv could be seen in the background of his video, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaXDCGrgAhk/">with sirens blaring intermittently as he spoke. </a></p><p>"Everyone was hoping that the finality of the situation would be averted, that there would not be these kinds of aggressive measures," he said. In the video's caption, Chmerkovskiy advocated against war, saying it is "NEVER the answer."</p><p>"I will never be the same," he wrote. "This is stressful and I'm getting old feelings back, like I've done this before. This does feel like the way it was when and why we left in the '90s. Like my old PTSD I've finally fixed is coming back."</p><p>Chmerkovskiy was born in Ukraine in 1980 when it was still part of the Soviet Union. In 2017, the professional dancer <a href="https://people.com/celebrity/dwts-maksim-valentin-chmerkovskiy-immigrant-story-fleeing-ukraine-bullied-usa/">told People Magazine that his family had immigrated to the US</a> in the mid-90s after their family business was burned down. According to People, the Chmerkovskiy family believes it was "a mafia arson attack."</p><p>In a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaXEYnAgr_b/">second Instagram video shared on Friday</a>, Chmerkovskiy became visibly emotional and tearful as he spoke about staying strong and the friends he knows living in Ukraine. </p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaXEYnAgr_b" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank"></a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Maksim Chmerkovskiy (@maksimc)<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime=""></time></p></div></blockquote><p>A few hours later, he shared an update on his Instagram story letting people know he was safe. </p><p>"It's tough, it's scary, it's very uneasy and a lot of pressure, but I'm safe," he said. "I have options, I think. The main thing is that I'm safe. Like I said a lot of people are not, and this is very very very real what's happening right now. I'm packed, I'm ready, my hotel has a bomb shelter. We can go there now, but a few of us decided to maybe wait until we hear the sirens and then I'll be down there."</p><p>Chmerkovskiy continued: "I'm going to try to keep you guys updated and show you what it's really like. But the reality is it's exactly what it looks like on TV. I hear from my friends that in other towns and cities that things got a lot more real and there's a full military situation going on."</p><p>He signed off saying "keep you posted" and held up the peace sign with two fingers. </p><p>A representative for Chmerkovskiy declined to add an additional statement at this time, referring Insider back to Chmerkovskiy's video updates as his official comments.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaXDCGrgAhk" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank"></a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Maksim Chmerkovskiy (@maksimc)<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime=""></time></p></div></blockquote><p>Russia's conflict with Ukraine has been rumbling for years but escalated dramatically in recent weeks. Russia assembled vast numbers of troops around Ukraine — <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-up-to-190000-troops-near-ukraine-us-ambassador-osce-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">as many as 190,000, per US estimates</a> on February 18 — in the largest military operation in the region since World War II.</p><p>On Monday, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-recognizes-ukrainian-separatist-regions-independent-states-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Putin recognized the claims to independence</a> of the breakaway Luhansk and Donetsk areas of Ukraine, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-orders-russia-troops-to-ukraine-major-escalation-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ordering troops there</a> for what he described as a limited peace-keeping operation in the east of the country.</p><p>Less than 72 hours later, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-announces-military-assault-against-ukraine-in-surprise-speech-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Putin authorized a full-scale attack on Ukraine</a>. In the hours that followed, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-attacks-ukraine-launching-new-war-in-europe-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">explosions pounded cities around Ukraine</a>, many hundreds of miles from the previous conflict zone. Ukrainian officials reported fighting on its borders with Russia, and dozens of casualties.</p><p>The new wave of hostilities expanded the clash from a limited incursion over disputed land into the most serious armed conflict in Europe for at least a decade.</p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/live-updates-russia-ukraine-crisis-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Insider's live blog of the invasion</a> is covering developments as they happen.</p>

'Dancing With the Stars' alum Maksim Chmerkovskiy posts tearful video from Kyiv as sirens blare in background

<ul class="summary-list"><li>"<keyword id="11957118" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="dancing-with-the-stars" source="Orion">Dancing with the Stars</keyword>" pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy made it out of <keyword id="11985141" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ukraine" source="Orion">Ukraine</keyword> and safely to Poland.</li><li>He described "traumatizing" scenes in which he was packed in a train car with 135 people. </li></ul><p>"Dancing with the Stars" pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy revealed he has made it out of Ukraine amid the Russian invasion. </p><p>"I made it on the train," he said in an Instagram story.</p><p>"The situation at the train station is insane," he added, describing the chaotic scene he faced at the train station. "At first it feels manageable, but it gets A LOT worse when it comes time to actually board the train."</p><p>"Long story but all I can say now is that I'm a big man with nothing but a backpack and it's TRAUMATIZING," Chmerkovskiy said. </p><p>The dancer said he was loaded into a train cabin — that is usually occupied with only three people — with four other adults and seven children. He said that a typical car carries 30 people, but refugees were told they had to fit 135 people into each train car for this trip.</p><p>"People everywhere. It's sweaty and claustrophobic," he said.</p><p>In a video on his Instagram story, he said they stopped at a station about 30 minutes outside of Poland to change wheels on the train. </p><p>"Can't make this up," he said.</p><p>Finally, on the final slide of his story Tuesday, Chmerkovskiy wrote: "I'm in Poland." </p><p>The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused a refugee crisis on the country's western borders as civilians flee the violence.</p><p><em>This story is developing. Please check back for updates.</em></p>

Maksim Chmerkovskiy describes 'claustrophobic' train escape from Ukraine as Russians invade: 'TRAUMATIZING'

<ul class="summary-list"><li>"<keyword id="11957118" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="dancing-with-the-stars" source="Orion">Dancing with the Stars</keyword>" pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy said he was arrested in <keyword id="11985141" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ukraine" source="Orion">Ukraine</keyword>. </li><li>He then told followers in an Instagram video that he is going to try to make his way out. </li></ul><p>Former "Dancing with the Stars" pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy says he was arrested in Ukraine and is now trying to get out of the country. </p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CahHOprgKPo/">Chmerkovskiy shared a video on Instagram</a> giving an update from his home country of Ukraine as the Russian invasion intensifies. The last story he shared indicated that he's made it onto a train that is "hopefully" heading to Warsaw, Poland. </p><p>"Just a lot of fighting everywhere," he said. "The streets are crazy. At one point I got arrested." </p><p>It's not clear what led to his arrest, but he described the moment as a "reality check" and said it's "all good" now. </p><p>"That was probably the least traumatizing moment in this whole thing as far as Ukraine is concerned, but for me, it was just a reality check," Chmerkovskiy told his followers. </p><p>Then, he announced he is going to try to "make my way out" of Ukraine. </p><p>"I'm going to try to start getting close to the border. I have options, my options are better than most people's, unfortunately," he said.</p><p>"I am a little nervous, to be honest with you," Chmerkovskiy confessed, "but I think it's going to be alright. I know it's going to be okay." </p><p>Chmerkovskiy urged his followers not to worry if he doesn't post updates as frequently while he is trying to make it to safety. </p><p>"Don't panic if I kind of disappear for a minute because I know a lot of people are watching now," he said. "If I disappear for a little bit just don't worry and I am going to do my best to keep you updated." </p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CahHOprgKPo" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank"></a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Maksim Chmerkovskiy (@maksimc)<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime=""></time></p></div></blockquote><p>A few hours later, Chmerkovskiy shared an Instagram story update saying he had "made it on the train." </p><p>"We're heading to Warsaw (hopefully)," he wrote, letting followers know he was possibly going to Poland. </p><p>The dancer added that it felt "traumatizing" to get through the boarding process on the train, and that he was with 11 other adults and children in a cabin designed for three people.</p><p>Chmerkovskiy was born in Ukraine in 1980 and immigrated to the US with his family in the mid-90s, according to <a href="https://people.com/celebrity/dwts-maksim-valentin-chmerkovskiy-immigrant-story-fleeing-ukraine-bullied-usa/">People magazine</a>. He and his brother, Valentin, continued their professional dance careers in the US and eventually became contestants on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." As <a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/val-chmerkovskiy-jenna-johnson-pray-for-maks-return-from-ukraine/">reported by Us Weekly</a>, Chmerkovskiy had temporarily returned to his home country of Ukraine to serve as a judge on their version of the same TV series. </p><p>Last week, the dancer began <a href="https://www.insider.com/dancing-with-the-stars-maksim-chmerkovskiy-stuck-in-kyiv-ukraine-2022-2">sharing Instagram video updates</a> to his followers from downtown Kyiv. He had 779,000 followers when he first started uploading videos from downtown Kyiv. Now Chmerkovskiy's follower count has grown to 1.1 million as he posts firsthand accounts of what's happening in Ukraine.</p><p>His brother, Valentin, and wife Peta Murgatroyd have been vocal on their own Instagram accounts, asking for fans and followers to <a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/val-chmerkovskiy-jenna-johnson-pray-for-maks-return-from-ukraine/">"pray" for Chmerkovskiy's safe return home to the US</a>.</p><p>As of last Friday he wasn't planning on trying to leave the city, saying he had heard from local friends that it wasn't safe to travel towards the border.</p><p>"People are being mobilized. The whole country's been called to go to war," he said. "Men, women, boys, these people that I was judging some days ago in dance competitions, are going forward and getting guns and getting deployed to defend the country."</p><p>Last week, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-announces-military-assault-against-ukraine-in-surprise-speech-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Russian president Vladimir Putin authorized a full-scale attack on Ukraine</a>. In the hours that followed, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-attacks-ukraine-launching-new-war-in-europe-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">explosions pounded cities around Ukraine</a>, many hundreds of miles from the previous conflict zone. Ukrainian officials reported fighting on its borders with <keyword id="11894337" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="russia" source="Orion">Russia</keyword> and dozens of casualties.</p><p><em> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/live-updates-russia-ukraine-crisis-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Insider's live blog of the invasion</a> is covering developments as they happen. </em></p>

Maksim Chmerkovskiy says he was arrested in Ukraine and is now trying to get out of the country

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Nick and <keyword id="1962804" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Vanessa-Lachey">Vanessa Lachey</keyword> met on the set of "Total Request Live" and later started dating in 2006. </li><li>They got married in 2011 and have since had three children together. </li><li>In 2020, the pair cohosted the hit Netflix reality show "<keyword id="23955" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="love-is-blind">Love Is Blind</keyword>."</li></ul><p>About 15 years ago, <keyword id="26006" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Nick-lachey">Nick Lachey</keyword> and Vanessa Lachey (née Minnillo) felt sparks on a music-video set and eventually shared a New Year's kiss on MTV cameras. </p><p>The two, who went on to get married and have three children, recently celebrated the power of love <a href="https://www.insider.com/love-is-blind-secrets-stories-and-season-2-details-2020-8">by cohosting Netflix's hit reality show "Love Is Blind."</a></p><p>Here's a look at Nick and Vanessa's long-lasting <keyword id="6355233" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Relationship">relationship</keyword>, from their early flirtations caught on camera to their mutual career successes:</p><h2><strong>Early 2000s: They appeared on MTV's 'Total Request Live' when Vanessa was a host and Nick was married to someone else </strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="nick and vanessa lachey on total request live" height="1457" width="1942" msid="81995361" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Vanessa joined "Total Request Live" as a host in 2003, and Nick frequented the show after his rise to fame in the boy band 98 Degrees. </p><p>At the time, Nick was <a href="https://www.insider.com/jessica-simpson-nick-lachey-relationship-drama-timeline">still married to his first wife, Jessica Simpson</a>, and Vanessa frequently covered the news of their relationship.</p><p>In a <a href="https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7981924/nick-lachey-vanessa-minnillo-romance-trl-whats-left-of-me-video">2017 interview with Billboard</a>, Nick said that although "TRL" wasn't the only thing that connected them, it "was definitely part of our time together."</p><h2><strong>November 23, 2005: Nick and Simpson announced their divorce</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey in 2003." height="2094" width="2792" msid="81995362" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>After three years of marriage, the couple publicly <a href="https://www.insider.com/elliot-page-and-emma-portner-relationship-timeline">announced their split</a> to Us Weekly. </p><p>"This is the mutual decision of two people with an enormous amount of respect and admiration for each other," they wrote in a statement, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/1514515/its-official-jessica-simpson-and-nick-lachey-split/">according to MTV</a>. "We hope that you respect our privacy during this difficult time." </p><p>Months after announcing their breakup, they <a href="https://people.com/celebrity/nick-jessicas-divorce-is-final/">finalized their divorce</a> in June 2006. </p><h2><strong>April 2006: Vanessa starred in Nick's music video for 'What's Left of Me'</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="What's Left of Me music video" height="1358" width="1811" msid="81995363" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Vanessa played the girl who had broken Nick's heart <a href="https://www.insider.com/big-celebrity-music-video-transformations-with-photos">in the music video</a> for his hit song, which was <a href="https://www.insider.com/jessica-simpson-nick-lachey-relationship-drama-timeline">about his relationship with Simpson</a>. </p><p>And <a href="https://www.eonline.com/news/892497/nick-and-vanessa-lachey-s-love-story-meeting-cute-falling-hard-and-breaking-up-before-happily-ever-after">E! News reported</a> that at one point during a behind-the-scenes look on <a href="https://www.eonline.com/news/892497/nick-and-vanessa-lachey-s-love-story-meeting-cute-falling-hard-and-breaking-up-before-happily-ever-after">MTV's "Making the Video,"</a> Vanessa said to the camera, "He's a gem ... mini-crush." </p><p>In the same <a href="https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7981924/nick-lachey-vanessa-minnillo-romance-trl-whats-left-of-me-video">2017 interview with Billboard</a>, Vanessa called the music video "the beginning of our relationship."</p><p>"That's what made it no longer friends and it got romantic," Vanessa said. "To the point that if you go back and look at the video, when he came to premiere it, I was so nervous and so crushing him that I didn't show up for work that day. I called in sick." </p><h2><strong>Summer 2006: Nick and Vanessa started dating</strong></h2><p>The new couple was <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2006/07/05/bye-nick-and-jess-hello/">spotted spending time together</a> off-screen. </p><p>During a 2020 appearance on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exuuFmoHkSM">"Strahan, Sara and Keke,"</a> Nick said that he took Vanessa to Hooters for their first date after his show in New Jersey. </p><p>Vanessa added that earlier that day, a psychic stopped her on the street to tell her she was going to find her prince charming "on a white horse."</p><p>Later that night, Nick sent a white Escalade to pick her up for their date. </p><h2><strong>January 1, 2007: They took their relationship public with an on-screen kiss </strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="nick and vanessa lachey" height="2250" width="3000" msid="81995364" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>After months of being spotted together, Nick and Vanessa <a href="https://www.insider.com/justin-and-hailey-bieber-talking-about-their-marriage-sex-life">seemingly made things official</a> by sharing an on-air kiss during MTV's New Year's Eve special at <a href="https://people.com/celebrity/nick-lachey-vanessa-minnillo-ring-in-new-year/">midnight</a>. </p><h2><strong>June 2009: The pair briefly broke up</strong></h2><p>After three years together, Nick and Vanessa <a href="https://www.insider.com/celebrity-couples-broke-up-got-back-together-married-2017-9">split up for a short period</a> of time. </p><p>Vanessa's representative told <a href="https://people.com/celebrity/nick-lachey-and-vanessa-minnillo-split/">People</a> that they had "amicably split" and were remaining "good friends." </p><p>But <a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/nick-and-vanessa-2009810/">according to Us Weekly</a>, the two were back on by the end of the summer, and Nick told the publication in September 2009 that they were "trying to figure things out." </p><p>"I don't pretend to know what the future holds, but everything's good," Nick said. "Vanessa's a good girl, and I care about her a lot." </p><h2><strong>October 2009: Nick publicly confirmed he was back with Vanessa </strong></h2><p><a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/nick-and-vanessa-2009810/">Us Weekly reported</a> that Nick shared his relationship status during an appearance on "Good Day Philadelphia."</p><p>"I am happy in a relationship," he said. "I was single for a minute there, and then we've kind of patched things up."</p><h2><strong>November 2010: Nick and Vanessa got engaged</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="nick and vanessa lachey" height="2094" width="2792" msid="81995366" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>After about four years of dating, Nick got down on both knees to propose to Vanessa. </p><p>The two detailed the moment during an "<keyword id="4578" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="entertainment">Entertainment</keyword> Tonight" interview with Nancy O'Dell, and Nick said he gave his "best romantic effort." </p><p>When Vanessa shared that Nick got down on both knees to propose, he added, "I figured one wasn't enough. I had to go to the full begging position, you know, and plead for her hand." </p><p>And in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTOCcb1Llg0">December 2010 interview with CNN</a>, Nick said <a href="https://www.insider.com/questions-you-should-ask-your-someone-before-marrying-them-2018-11">that the engagement</a> had been a long time coming. </p><p>"I think I knew pretty early on that we would be a good match, that I loved her," he said. "So I would say, within the first six months we dated, I probably knew that was the one I wanted to be with." </p><h2><strong>July 2011: They got married on a private island in the Caribbean</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="nick vanessa lachey january 2018" height="1255" width="1674" msid="81995367" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Nick and Vanessa tied the knot during a small ceremony <a href="https://people.com/celebrity/nick-lachey-vanessa-minnillo-married-on-necker-island/">at Sir Richard Branson's private</a> getaway in the British Virgin Islands. </p><p>They told <a href="https://people.com/celebrity/vanessa-minnillo-nick-lachey-get-married/">People in July 2011</a> that they sent the invitations in the form of plane tickets and flew their guests in for the surprise trip.</p><p>"We told them they were going away and the attire was island chic," Nick said. "It was all very vague."</p><p>Later that month, the couple <a href="https://www.insider.com/things-that-went-wrong-with-my-wedding-and-what-i-did">showcased their big day</a> with the feature-length TLC special "Nick and Vanessa's Dream Wedding."</p><h2><strong>September 12, 2012: The couple welcomed their 1st child together</strong></h2><p><a href="https://people.com/parents/nick-lachey-vanessa-lachey-welcome-son-camden-john/">Vanessa gave birth</a> to the couple's first son, Camden John Lachey, in September 2012. </p><p>"Love has truly been redefined for both of us," the couple <a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/vanessa-minnillo-nick-lachey-welcome-son-camden-john-2012139/">told Us Weekly</a>.</p><h2><strong>January 5, 2015: Their 2nd child was born</strong></h2><p>The two welcomed their daughter, Brooklyn Elisabeth Lachey, at the beginning of 2015. </p><p>"I have been dreaming of this moment for as long as I can remember, the day I was going to meet my little girl," Vanessa wrote on her now-defunct website, <a href="https://people.com/parents/nick-lachey-vanessa-lachey-welcome-daughter-brooklyn-elisabeth/">according to People</a>. "A friend recently told me how magical today was going to be because it's the day I would meet my best friend." </p><p>"I can't even begin to tell you how it felt to hold her in my arms for the very first time," she added. </p><h2><strong>December 24, 2016: They celebrated the birth of their 3rd child </strong></h2><p>In the middle of <a href="https://www.insider.com/christmas-around-the-world-2018-12">the holiday season</a>, Vanessa gave birth to their second son, Phoenix Robert Lachey. </p><p>Vanessa posted a photo on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BOe7zmmg6Yh/?utm_source=ig_embed">Instagram</a> of the baby holding her finger, writing that he "decided to show up early and was born on Christmas Eve."</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BOe7zmmg6Yh" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank"></a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Vanessa Lachey (@vanessalachey)<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime=""></time></p></div></blockquote><h2><strong>Fall 2017: Nick and Vanessa did a side-by-side stint on 'Dancing With the Stars'</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="nick and vanessa lachey dancing with the stars" height="2695" width="3594" msid="81995370" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>The couple merged their careers as cast members <a href="https://www.insider.com/dancing-with-the-stars-fun-facts-2018-10">on season 25 of "Dancing With the Stars."</a> </p><p>Nick was paired with Peta Murgatroyd, and Vanessa partnered with Murgatroyd's husband, Maksim Chmerkovskiy. </p><p>But in September 2019, <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2019/09/18/nick-lachey-dwts-i-never-felt-more-uncomfortable-my-life/2367840001/">Nick told USA Today</a> that he doesn't like dancing and probably "shouldn't have done it to begin with."</p><p>"That was one of those things - I'm glad I did it," Nick said. "I'm glad I checked it off the list, and I can look back and say, 'I have no regrets,' (but) it was not one of the fonder moments in my life."</p><h2><strong>February 2020: They cohosted the reality dating show 'Love Is Blind'</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="nick and vanessa lachey love is blind" height="1187" width="1582" msid="81995371" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Nick and Vanessa paired up with Netflix to cohost <a href="https://www.insider.com/cool-facts-about-love-is-blind-on-netflix-2020-2">"Love Is Blind,"</a> the hit reality show in which contestants fall in love without seeing each other until the proposal.</p><p>During their 2020 appearance on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exuuFmoHkSM">"Strahan, Sara and Keke,"</a> they tied the premise back to their own relationship and explained that they had originally gotten to know each other in a similar way since they were living across the country when they first started dating. </p><p>"We actually spent a lot of time getting to know each other on the phone, kind of the old-school way ..." Nick said. "You actually got to know somebody by spending hours and hours talking through everything and what made you tick, and it really kind of was the foundation for our relationship." </p><h2><strong>August 2020: Vanessa said she hasn't ruled out having a 4th child with Nick </strong></h2><p>In an <a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/vanessa-lachey-is-open-to-4th-baby-with-nick-its-possible/">August 2020 interview with Us Weekly</a>, Vanessa did not shoot down the idea of having another kid when asked about it.</p><p>"I mean, I still like my husband, and he likes me," she said. "So I guess anything's possible."</p>

Nick and Vanessa Lachey have been married for nearly 10 years. Here's a timeline of their relationship.

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right"><div class="image"><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/530b58bf6da81152628ff208-1109-832/brooke-burke-tom-bergeron.png?maxX=480" border="0" alt="Brooke Burke Tom Bergeron" width="480" style="color: #000000; font-size: 15px;" /><p class="source"><span>Frederick M. Brown/Getty</span></p><p class="caption">Host Brooke Burke had no idea her contract wouldn't be renewed when she was fired from the show Friday.</p></div><p></p></div>On Friday, "Dancing With The Stars" host Brooke Burke was shocked to find out she had been fired from the ABC reality competition show.</p>
<p>The former "Dancing" winner, who has hosted the show with<strong> </strong>Tom Bergeron since 2010, <a href="https://twitter.com/brookeburke" target="_blank">Tweeted</a>: <span>"Weird day ... Shocking pre-season elimination #DWTS ... ME. Tom Bergeron didn't even read my name. I won't be returning to the show this season."</span></p>
<p>The 42-year-old mother-of-four continued in a statement, <span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">"I've seen my fair share of shocking eliminations in the ballroom but this one takes the cake. </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">I have enjoyed seven seasons co-hosting 'DWTS' but understand the need for change considering the position of the show at this juncture."</span></p>
<p>On Sunday, it was revealed that <span>sportscaster and <span>FOX Sports favorite, </span>Erin Andrews, will replace Burke as host.</span></p>
<p><span><div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right"><div class="image"><img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/530b5d44eab8eaea36f51782-517-388/erin-andrews-dancing-with-the-stars-1.png" border="0" alt="Erin Andrews Dancing With The Stars" width="480" /><p class="source"><span>ABC/"Dancing With The Stars"</span></p><p class="caption">Sportscaster Erin Andrews competed on season 10 of "Dancing with the Stars" with dance partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy.</p></div><p></p></div>Andrews, 35, competed on season 10 of "Dancing with the Stars" with <span>dance partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>The move appears to be part of ABC's attempt to attract younger viewers to the show, as it was also recently </span><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/brooke-burke-charvet-eliminated-host-dancing-stars-article-1.1693945?q=wheeler&amp;selecturl=site">announced</a><span> that the 28-piece band that provides music for the show will be replaced by a small, "electric band" next season.</span></span></p>
<p><span>The shake-up comes less than a month before the fledgling show debuts its 18th season<span> on March 17.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>The new cast of the show will be revealed on "</span>Good Morning America"<span> March 4.</span></span></span></p>

Erin Andrews Hired As New Host Of 'Dancing With The Stars' After Brooke Burke Fired

<p><div class="image-container float_right" style="width:480px"><div class="image"><img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5203abc669bedd160f000011-283-398/screen%20shot%202013-08-08%20at%2010.30.04%20am.png?maxX=480" border="0" alt="Kate Upton Elle Magazine" width="480" /><p class="source">Elle/Carter Smith</p></div></div>While <keyword id="860867" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Kate-Upton">Kate Upton</keyword> is no stranger to appearing on magazine covers, the 21-year-old model's interview in the current issue of <a href="http://www.elle.com/pop-culture/cover-shoots/kate-upton-quotes-fashion-photos?click=pp#slide-1" target="_blank">Elle magazine</a> reveals a shyer side.</p>
<p>“After my first Sports Illustrated<em> </em>cover, I felt terrible about myself for a solid month," Upton <a href="http://www.elle.com/pop-culture/cover-shoots/kate-upton-quotes-fashion-photos?click=pp#slide-1" target="_blank">admitted to the magazine</a>. "Every single guy I met was either married or about to be married, and I felt like I was their bachelor present or something.”</p>
<p>Upton adds, “I’m not a toy, I’m a human. I’m not here to be used. I am a grown woman, and you need to figure your s--- out.”</p>
<p>Upton says it isn't just her who feels this way, but many <keyword id="6404377" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="models">models</keyword>.</p>
<p>“People deal with models like they are children," she says. "They think they can pull one over on you. It’s actually funny.”</p>
<p>But Upton doesn't let it get to her.</p>
<p>“I’m always like, I’m about to pull something on you, and you’re so focused on thinking I’m dumb you’re not even going to know!"</p>
<p>As for Upton's much talked about love life and <a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/upton_busts_out_with_maks_at_catch_YxcmFf67ZUyipaqyKlF2NM" target="_blank">rumors she's dating</a> "Dancing With the Stars" cast member Maksim Chmerkovskiy<a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/upton_busts_out_with_maks_at_catch_YxcmFf67ZUyipaqyKlF2NM" target="_blank"></a>, the model says:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">"<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">I really have never had a serious relationship in the industry. I’m just having fun. Obviously I have a very </span><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;" id="itxthook2p"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap itxtnewhookspan" id="itxthook2w">busy schedule </span></span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">at this time in my life, and I don’t put relationships as a priority.”</span></p>
<p><span>In case you forgot, here's that infamous teeny weeny red bikini cover shot from 2012:</span></p>
<p><span><div class="image-container" style="width:800px"><div class="image"><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/4f3a68d4ecad04781b000032-590-829/kate-upton-cover.jpg" border="0" alt="Kate Upton Cpver" width="800" /><p class="source"><a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012_swimsuit/more/cover.html">Sports Illustrated</a></p></div></div><br /></span></p>
<p><span>It went over so well that Upton landed a second consecutive cover in 2013:</span></p>
<p><span><div class="image-container" style="width:800px"><div class="image"><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5115974becad04c444000005-600-800/kate-upton-cover-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Kate Upton Swimsuit Issue Sports Illustrated" width="800" /><p class="source">Sports Illustrated</p></div></div><br /></span></p>

You Searched For "maksim chmerkovskiy" and got 13 results

Former 'DWTS' pro Peta Murgatroyd reveals she had third miscarriage while husband Maks Chmerkovskiy was in Ukraine

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Maksim Chmerkovskiy pays tribute to late 'Dancing with the Stars' partner Kirstie Alley: 'I wish you the most peaceful rest'

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Maksim Chmerkovskiy says he was arrested in Ukraine for breaking curfew, but was quickly let go when a man recognized him from 'Dancing With the Stars'

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Watch the emotional reunion of Maksim Chmerkovskiy and his wife Peta Murgatroyd after he returns home from his 'traumatizing' experience in Ukraine

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Maksim Chmerkovskiy says he feels 'guilt' and 'mixed emotions' after fleeing Ukraine amid Russian invasion

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'Dancing with the Stars' alum Maksim Chmerkovskiy said he wants 'the shooting to stop' as he prepared to go into a bomb shelter in Ukraine

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'Dancing With the Stars' alum Maksim Chmerkovskiy says he's staying in Kyiv for now because it's 'not safe' to leave

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'Dancing With the Stars' alum Maksim Chmerkovskiy posts tearful video from Kyiv as sirens blare in background

Kim Renfro

Maksim Chmerkovskiy describes 'claustrophobic' train escape from Ukraine as Russians invade: 'TRAUMATIZING'

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Maksim Chmerkovskiy says he was arrested in Ukraine and is now trying to get out of the country

Rebecca Cohen

Nick and Vanessa Lachey have been married for nearly 10 years. Here's a timeline of their relationship.

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Erin Andrews Hired As New Host Of 'Dancing With The Stars' After Brooke Burke Fired

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Kate Upton: 'I Felt Terrible About Myself' After First Sports Illustrated Cover

Aly Weisman