BREAKING NEWS'DWTS' Pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy Arrested & Released In Kyiv During Russian Invasion
Maksim Chmerkovskiy was arrested and has since been released in Kyiv amid the Russian invasion.
According to Deadline, the Dancing With the Stars pro, 42, was taken into custody in his home country and is now trying to get back to the United States.
“There’s a lot of fighting everywhere,” Chmerkovskiy said in a cellphone video of the horrifying attack on his country. “Streets are crazy. At one point I got arrested…but all good, promise."
“That was probably the least traumatizing moment in this whole thing as far as Ukraine is concerned," he continued, "but for me it was just a reality check….a crazy reality check.” Chmerkovskiy did not provide additional details about the arrest.
“I’m going to try to make my way out, start trying to get close to the border,” the entertainer — who is married to fellow DWTS pro Peta Murgatroyd, with whom he shares 5-year-old son Shai Aleksander Chmerkovskiy — stated.
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“I’m just trying to stay focused,” Chmerkovskiy maintained, candidly noting: “I have options. My options are better than most people’s, unfortunately. I’m a little nervous to be honest with you, but I think it’s going to be all right. Well, I know it’s going to be okay.”
The choreographer warned his followers not to panic if he is MIA from social media for a period of time. “If I disappear for a little bit please don’t worry," Chmerkovskiy continued, explaining he is currently only in communication with his immediate family members.
Chmerkovskiy also hinted at the alleged unfair treatment of African nationals at the Ukraine-Poland border, stating: “Any unfair treatment is wrong." The dancer explained he has no direct proof of the reported racism, but “where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
(Nigerian presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu revealed: "There have been unfortunate reports (that) Ukrainian police and security personnel are refusing to let Nigerians board buses and trains" to Poland, per africanews.)
On Sunday, February 27, Chmerkovskiy got emotional while speaking about the state of Ukraine. "I'm in a very safe place but this is nuts and I think everybody is going through a lot of emotions and I think it's time I expose mine in a more personal manner," he said in the emotional video.
