Veteran actress Jen Affleck has returned to the spotlight on the most recent season of Dancing with the Stars, but this time she is defending her partner rather than just dancing. The professional dancer in question is Jan Ravnik, who gained his place on the show after working extensively as Taylor Swift's backup dancer.Maks Chmerkovskiy, a former DWTS pro, recently publicly criticized Ravnik's selection, saying he had "no business" as a pro on the competition and lacked fundamental ballroom skills. An online discussion concerning the relative merits of traditional ballroom training and entertainment-driven celebrity casting was spurred by the comments.Affleck responded by posting a scathing video in which she made it clear that she would not put up with remarks that were disparaging to her spouse. Many fans who had also seen the criticism found resonance in her statement, which expanded the conversation to include support, perception, and trust in competitive performance. In light of this criticism, Affleck's prompt action suggests a change in how the program manages its competition and choreography as well as in how teamwork might influence public perceptions.Jen Affleck steps up for Jan Ravnik on Dancing with the Stars View this post on Instagram Instagram PostAffleck and Ravnik were aware that the routines would be scrutinized when they took to the Dancing with the Stars floor. However, Chmerkovskiy's recent remarks put another level of pressure. The two had already handled media appearances, emotional times, and demanding rehearsals. Ravnik's credentials were now being publicly questioned, and Affleck made it plain that she was not backing down. All of a sudden, their partnership encompassed both dancing and defense.Affleck’s statement shuts down the slander against RavnikIn her opening remarks, Affleck emphasized the harm that misleading narratives may do, not just to herself but also to people with whom she has a strong working relationship. According to her, Ravnik is a committed professional who has given his all to support her on Dancing with the Stars. Her tone was emotive yet stern, expressing her loyalty to her boyfriend as well as her dissatisfaction.“I stand by Jan completely. The rumors being spread are unfair and untrue. He’s been nothing but kind, respectful, and incredibly hardworking. People need to stop twisting things for drama.”Many of her followers and fellow competitors supported her in the comments section after she made her announcement. Some noted that the two have shown nothing but strong chemistry and determination during their performances. Others decried the speed at which helpful collaborations devolve into controversy due to online speculation. For Affleck, this was a moment to defend integrity, both hers and Ravnik’s.Moving forward on Dancing with the Stars View this post on Instagram Instagram PostFollowing her reply, Affleck reappeared in Ravnik's rehearsals and showed no signs of slowing down. According to insiders, she is using the experience to sharpen her concentration for her next routines. According to reports, the pair has been preparing a modern performance that could be even more emotionally charged in light of the recent issue.“This experience has made me stronger,” Affleck said in a follow-up story. “Sometimes you just have to keep dancing and let your work speak for itself.”One of the season's defining arcs may be Affleck's will to rise above the clamor as Dancing with the Stars goes on. What began as internet chitchat has turned into evidence of her professionalism and her relationship with Ravnik, demonstrating that sometimes the best dance is grace in the face of criticism.Wacth Dancing with the Stars on ABC.