Maksim Chmerkovskiy Attacks the Judges on Dancing with the Stars

He danced the rumba on Broadway night – then orchestrated a show-stopping fight.

Maksim Chmerkovskiy melted down Monday on Dancing with the Stars, railing against the judges – specifically Len Goodman – after receiving 20 out of 30 points for his routine with partner Hope Solo.

“Hope, I’ve never lost faith in you,” Len said, after the dance to “Seasons of Love” from the musical Rent. “I always feel like there is so much there, and for some reason it hasn’t come out.”

Continued Goodman: “This is your worst dance of the season in my opinion.”

But Maksim disagreed – and he didn’t mince words.

After arguing with Goodman, who scolded the dance pro, telling him, “I’ve been in this business for 50 years,” Chmerkovskiy sharply retorted: “Then maybe it’s time to go!”

The two yelled back and forth before Maks and Hope headed backstage, where Chmerkovskiy told host Brooke Charvet, “With all due respect, this is my show. I help make it what it is,” as a general feeling of anxiety and discomfort filled the ballroom.

And Chmerkovskiy and Solo weren’t even the night’s lowest scoring duo.

That (dubious) honor went to Chaz Bono and Lacey Schwimmer, whose tango to the title track of The Phantom of the Opera earned them 19 points.

Meanwhile, J.R. Martinez continued his dancing dominance, earning a near-perfect 29 for his quickstep to “Hot Honey Rag” from Chicago. “You are truly relentless,” Len said, while awarding him and partner Karina Smirnoff a 9. (Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba each gave them a perfect 10.) And Ricki Lake rebounded from last week, nabbing 29 points as well.

Other highlights from Monday’s show:

• Nancy Grace achieved her highest score ever – a 24! – for her foxtrot. “You nailed it. I will call that a show stopper,” Carrie Ann said.

• David Arquette and Kym Johnson danced their way to 23 points for their quickstep to “We Go Together” from Grease, while Rob Kardashian and Cheryl Burke weren’t far behind, tallying 22 points for their cha-cha-cha.