Gleb Savchenko Under Fire: Fans Call Him 'Disrespectful' Toward Shangela
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on October 16, 2024 at 10:30 AM EDT
"Dancing with the Stars" pro Gleb Savchenko is facing major backlash after fans accused him of being "disrespectful" toward his former dance partner, Shangela.
The controversy comes following a recent interview where viewers felt Gleb downplayed Shangela's contributions during their time on the show. Social media erupted with criticism, as fans quickly called out the pro dancer for his comments, labeling them as dismissive and unappreciative of Shangela's talent and hard work.
Shangela finished in 4th place on "Dancing with the Stars" Season 31 and made history as the first drag performer to compete on the show and was praised for her performances with professional partner Gleb Savchenko.
Gleb Savchenko And Brooks Nader Get Eliminated
On the October 15 episode of "Dancing with the Stars," the remaining nine couples paid tribute to influential people in their lives through emotional performances. Former "DWTS" pro Mark Ballas joined the judges' panel as a special guest, alongside Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli.
Despite the touching routines, it was Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko who faced elimination, bringing their journey on the show to an end.
Their elimination came just hours after rumors circulated that the model was close to "quitting" the show.
“Brooks knows she can do better and loves this experience overall but she’s talking about quitting the show,” a source told The U.S. Sun. “She won’t, I don’t think she’s actually serious when she says that but she’s mad with how the show is handling things and is mad with how they’re treating Gleb the most.”
Gleb Savchenko 'Bummed' After Being Eliminated So Early
Following their elimination from "Dancing with the Stars," Gleb Savchenko and Brooks Nader sat down with "Good Morning America" to reflect on their journey.
"I've had a blast," he began. "This is my best season, you know, and I've done this show for such a long time. [Brooks] has been my best partner and I thought we were going to go all the way."
"I'm kind of bummed that we got eliminated," the pro dancer added.
While the interview initially seemed like a lighthearted recap, Gleb's comments have since sparked some backlash, with fans criticizing his remarks as dismissive and lacking appreciation for his past partner, Shangela.
Gleb Savchenko Faces Backlash For Seemingly 'Disrespecting' For Partner
Shangela made history as the first drag queen to compete on the U.S. version of "Dancing with the Stars," but she wasn’t the only one to light up the ballroom by the finale.
In a showstopping moment during the final freestyle round during Season 31, her pro dance partner, Gleb Savchenko, joined her in full drag. The pair, who were the show’s first male-male partners, transformed into the first queen-queen duo, with Savchenko introduced as "Natasha" in a sparkly bodysuit, blonde wig, heels, and full makeup.
The iconic queen-queen freestyle has gone down in "Dancing with the Stars" history as one of the most unforgettable performances, so when Gleb Savchenko recently told "Good Morning America" that Brooks Nader was his best partner during his time on the show, fans were quick to express their disappointment and frustration.
"So disrespectful to Shangela," one social media user wrote. "Yeahh after this disrespect to Shangela. I'm completely over Gleb," another said.
"Shangela omg," a third expressed.
Fans Point Out Gleb Savchenko's Other Partners Who Made It Further Than Brooks Nader
Many felt that Shangela, who had made history and delivered a standout performance with Gleb, deserved more recognition from the pro dancer.
"Shangela was definitely his best partner/season…lmao," one TikToker said after hearing his recent comments. "Shangela??? Jana????" another asked, referring to Jana Kramer, who came in fourth.
"Gleb is delusional thinking brooks nadar was going to win dwts," one social media user said.
"How dare him. Shangela, Lauren Alaina, Jana Kramer???? Be so for real," another fan chimed in.
Who Is Left On Season 33 Of 'DWTS'?
The following stars still have a chance at the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
- Phaedra Parks and Val Chmerkovskiy
- Danny Amendola and Witney Carson
- Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson
- Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten
- Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong
- Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber
- Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach
- Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold
"Dancing With the Stars" airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
