Maksim Chmerkovskiy Defends Hope Solo, Tells Judge to Retire [VIDEO]

Maksim Chmerkovskiy let his emotions run high on the dance floor, defending partner Hope Solo in front of the judges on Monday's episode of Dancing with the Stars.

Following a performance of the rumba to Seasons of Love from the musical Rent, the pair faced some nasty comments from the judging panel, especially from Len Goodman.

I'm at a loss, really. You may not believe this Hope, but I never lost faith in you . . . I always feel that there is so much there. And for some reason, it hasn't come out, Goodman said.

Partly, because of those boots . . . the one thing you mustn't do is step on your heel. Well, it was totally full of heel leads . . . this is your worst dance of the whole season, in my opinion, he added.

Upon hearing that comment, the audience, which included Kim Kardashian, Kris Humphries, Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom, immediately booed Goodman.

Chmerkovskiy waved his arms up in the air, further fueling the sea of boos.

Don't start all that, Maks, because half the fault is yours . . . Let me tell you Maks. The audience likes the effect . . . I've been in this business for nearly 50 years, Goodman said.

Maybe it's time to go, Chmerkovskiy responded.

His comment did not go well with fellow judge Carrie Ann Inaba.

Oh whoa, don't be respectful like that, she said.

But Chmerkovskiy, a longtime member of the Dancing with the Stars professional crew, was not finished.

Let's not be disrespectful to everybody, right, because everybody's putting a lot of effort. Everybody on that balcony has been dying and killing themselves only to hear you guys . . . a little judgmental comments, he said.

I'm not being disrespectful. I'm just protecting my partner, Chmerkovskiy added.

Meanwhile, Solo, one of seven stars remaining in the competition, remained mum, occasionally flashing her pearly whites.

While the couple's performance was a stark contrast to several of the other teams, Solo and Chmerkovskiy did not score the lowest on an evening of Broadway tunes and dances.

That title went to Chaz Bono and partner Lacey Schwimmer, who performed the tango to the theme from The Phantom of the Opera. They earned a score of 19 from the judges.

Solo and Chmerkovskiy received a score of 20 out of a possible 30 points.

You know, with all due respect, this is my show. I helped make it what it is. I love every aspect of it, I love every professional that's ever been here and I love every celebrity that puts effort into every week. Having said that, I'm a little tired that we're being judged, some on effort and some being picked on, on heel leads, Chmerkovskiy said after hearing his score.

Following the show, the Ukranian ballroom champion continued on Twitter.

To @hopesolo, you truly ARE my star tonight! Loved our dance! Very proud of you! To everyone else, I WILL NEVER CHANGE! Love me or hate me! he wrote.

Kirstie Alley, who was partnered with Chmerkovskiy during season 12 of Dancing with the Stars, also took to Twitter to show some support.

@MaksimC Maximus Aureius,Hear U went all Gladiator @ the coliseum last night ..Protected the Queen @ all costs..Thumbs Up!! I Salute you!! xo, Alley wrote.

Dancing with the Stars the results show airs on Tuesday night on ABC.

Scroll down below to watch the entire performance and spat between Chmerkovskiy and the judges.

Here are the complete scores from Monday's performance episode:

Ricki Lake and Derek Hough: 29

J.R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff: 29

Nancy Grace and Tristan MacManus: 24

David Arquette and Kym Johnson: 23

Rob Kardashian and Cheryl Burke: 22

Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovskiy: 20

Chaz Bono and Lacey Schwimmer: 19