When it comes to empathy, Maksim Chmerkovskiy is willing to go the extra mile - or dance step in a hilarious and enlightening challenge from his pregnant wife Peta Murgatroyd.
- Jun 18, 2024
AceShowbiz - Peta Murgatroyd and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, the beloved couple from "Dancing With the Stars," are awaiting the arrival of their third son. In the weeks leading up to her due date, Murgatroyd found a novel way to share her experience with Chmerkovskiy by strapping watermelons onto his belly and grapefruits to his chest.
This unique challenge began earlier this month when Murgatroyd finally acted on an idea she'd had for two years. Using plastic wrap, she attached a large watermelon to Chmerkovskiy's belly and added two grapefruits to his chest to mimic the physical strain of her pregnancy. The resulting video was shared on Instagram, delighting fans with its humor and relatability.
On the red carpet at the 2024 Critics' Choice Real TV Awards, Chmerkovskiy, 44, recounted the experience to Page Six. He humorously described how Murgatroyd made him perform various tasks around the house with the weighted adornment.
"Pick it up," she'd tell him after dropping a pen, "Get the baby out of the crib, and you have to go really fast because you have to pee." The physical strain was apparent as Chmerkovskiy admitted, "This is terrible. I don't know how you do it."
In the follow-up video, Chmerkovskiy endeavored to dance with the makeshift belly, as Murgatroyd sat back munching on potato chips, clearly enjoying the show. "First of all, THIS SUCKED!" he candidly wrote on Instagram, adding that his "diaphragm is still upset at me for agreeing to do this!" Fans loved every moment, commenting on Murgatroyd's amusement and suggesting further ways to enhance the challenge.
Chmerkovskiy confessed to Page Six that while he appreciates the beauty of having a growing family, he is also eagerly waiting for life to return to normal. "I just want Peta back," he stated, reflecting on how their summer plans were interrupted. With two sons, Shai, 7, and Rio, almost 1, the couple looks forward to next summer, envisioning a relaxing Europe trip if grandparents can come along to assist with the kids.
This heartwarming and humorous challenge showcases not only Murgatroyd's experience but also Chmerkovskiy's willingness to understand and empathize with his wife's journey. And for fans, it offered a delightful glimpse into their playful and loving relationship.
