Gleb Savchenko and Maura Higgins have become the focus of a public dispute following their brief romance on the 2024 season of a popular dance competition.
In a recent statement, Savchenko said he had never heard of Higgins before being asked to comment. He added that he would not be disturbed by opinions from a stranger and would remain focused on his work.
Higgins has publicly stated that her priority is her performance on the dance floor, and she has declined to pursue a romantic storyline on the show.
Higgins, an American model and television personality, gained prominence after winning the 2019 Sports Illustrated Swim Search and has since appeared in the publication’s editorial content.
The couple began dating after being paired together during the 33rd season of the dance competition, but the relationship ended after seven months. Savchenko described himself as surprised when the partnership was dissolved.
During a YouTube series earlier this year, Savchenko alleged that the relationship included physical harm, including choking and a chipped tooth, and described a particularly negative intimate encounter. Higgins has accused him of infidelity, a claim he has denied.
It remains unclear whether Savchenko will return for the upcoming 35th season of the show.
Prior to his current role, Savchenko performed as a professional dancer on a British dance competition in 2015, partnering with a contestant named Anita Rani.
Higgins has emphasized that she is single, celibate, and content, stating she does not wish a romantic subplot to emerge from her time on the program.
The next season of the dance competition is scheduled to premiere on September 15, 2026.
