# DWTS pro Gleb Savchenko feud

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dwts-pro-gleb-savchenko-feud
> Updated: 2026-08-04T08:49:49.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

In mid‑July 2026, professional dancer Gleb Savchenko told Us Weekly that DWTS pros should avoid dating their celebrity partners, citing his own turbulent off‑and‑on relationship with former partner Brooks Nader as a cautionary tale. He warned that such entanglements could ruin a dancer’s career and personal life.

A few weeks later, former reality‑TV star Maura Higgins publicly declared she would accept any DWTS partner except Savchenko, referencing her loyalty to Nader and criticizing Savchenko’s remarks about women. Savchenko responded that he had never heard of Higgins, would not be bothered by her comments, and warned that backstage interactions would become “really awkward.” The exchange heightened media attention ahead of the September premiere of season 35, turning Savchenko’s dating advice into a broader backstage dispute.

In early August, Higgins told DWTS producers she does not want to be paired with Savchenko, again citing his comments about women and her allegiance to Nader. Savchenko called the feud “unnecessary drama,” said he was unaware of Higgins before her remarks, and insisted he would remain professional. Producers anticipate that the two will likely avoid each other backstage, adding further tension to the season’s atmosphere.

## Claims

- Maura Higgins said she would be happy with any DWTS partner except Gleb Savchenko. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Higgins said she is loyal to friend Brooks Nader and dislikes how Savchenko speaks about women. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Gleb Savchenko said he had never heard of Maura Higgins before being asked to comment and will not lose sleep over her opinions. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Savchenko warned that backstage will be awkward and he and Higgins will likely avoid each other. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Gleb Savchenko and Brooks Nader had a romantic relationship that ended in April 2024. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Savchenko described his relationship with Nader as “the worst sex of my life.” (corroborated by 2 sources)
- DWTS season 35 is scheduled to premiere on 15 September 2026. (single source)
- Maura Higgins is a former star of the reality series “The Traitors.” (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-04: Maura Higgins' refusal to partner with Gleb Savchenko creates backstage tension on DWTS

Maura Higgins refuses to dance with Gleb Savchenko on DWTS, sparking a public feud and expected backstage awkwardness ahead of Season 35.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maura-higgins-and-gleb-savchenko-clash-over-dwts-partner-choice

### 2026-07-14: Gleb Savchenko warns DWTS pros not to date their partners

Gleb Savchenko advises DWTS pros against dating partners, citing his past relationship with Brooks Nader and warning it can ruin lives.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gleb-savchenko-warns-dwts-pros-not-to-date-their-partners

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Cite as: DWTS pro Gleb Savchenko feud. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dwts-pro-gleb-savchenko-feud