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Corey Feldman Addresses Rumors of Tension with Jenna Johnson on Dancing With the Stars

9/27/2025, 1:07:08 PM

Elimination Sparks Controversy

Corey Feldman and his partner Jenna Johnson were eliminated from Season 34 of *Dancing With the Stars* during the second episode, which aired on September 23, 2025. Following their departure, rumors circulated regarding tensions between the duo, particularly fueled by comments from Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Johnson's brother-in-law. Chmerkovskiy suggested that Johnson faced significant challenges working with Feldman, stating, “Obviously, Jenna has a bit of an uphill climb with Corey... she’s having a much more difficult time with this entire thing.”

Feldman's Response to Allegations

In response to the negative narrative surrounding their partnership, Feldman took to Instagram to express his gratitude towards Johnson. He described her as an “absolute joy to work with” and apologized for any media portrayal that suggested otherwise. “I’m so sorry for any negativity the media is using to give the false narrative that our time together was anything less than enjoyable,” he wrote. Feldman emphasized his commitment to the rehearsals, stating, “I was there 7 days a week for the past 3 weeks, doing everything in my power to give U my best, even if the judges couldn’t see it.”

Support from Johnson

Johnson echoed Feldman's sentiments in her own Instagram post, expressing gratitude for their time together. She thanked him for the “giggles every day in rehearsal” and for sharing “life lessons and memories.” Her message highlighted the positive aspects of their partnership, countering the claims of discord.

Criticism and Opposition

Despite Feldman's assertions, Chmerkovskiy’s comments have led to a mixed reception. Some insiders have suggested that Feldman’s age and inexperience with the show contributed to the difficulties. Chmerkovskiy noted that it was a combination of “technique and work ethic” that posed challenges for Feldman, implying that he struggled with choreography. However, sources close to Feldman have defended him, stating that he worked hard and was present for rehearsals, contradicting claims of laziness.

Impact of External Factors

Feldman’s elimination and the surrounding controversy were compounded by personal issues, particularly his ongoing conflict with Charlie Sheen. Reports indicated that Feldman was distracted by recent headlines related to Sheen, who denied allegations made by Feldman regarding past abuse. This distraction may have affected his performance on the show, as he was reportedly feeling “pretty defeated” after the elimination.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “I'm so sorry for any negativity the media is using to give the false narrative that our time together was anything less than enjoyable.” — Corey Feldman
  • “Jenna has a bit of an uphill climb with Corey, which is easy for everybody to say from [outside], but I know that she’s having a much more difficult time with this entire thing,” — Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Conclusion

The elimination of Corey Feldman and Jenna Johnson from *Dancing With the Stars* has sparked significant discussion regarding their partnership. While both have publicly expressed mutual respect and gratitude, the comments from Maksim Chmerkovskiy have added a layer of complexity to their narrative. As the season progresses, the focus will likely shift to how both Feldman and Johnson navigate their respective journeys post-elimination.