In the wake of his early exit from Dancing With the Stars Season 34, Corey Feldman is speaking out to address persistent rumors surrounding his partnership with professional dancer Jenna Johnson. The actor, who was paired with the reigning champion pro, praised Johnson for her professionalism and warmth, firmly denying claims that their season was marred by conflict or tension behind the scenes.
Rumors of a “Difficult” Season
Speculation about a rocky partnership surfaced after former DWTS pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy — who happens to be Jenna Johnson’s brother-in-law — remarked during an interview that Johnson had faced a “much more difficult” time working with Feldman compared to other contestants. Chmerkovskiy’s comments suggested that while celebrity-pro partnerships often appear friendly on camera, not all of them are as harmonious as they seem.
“Sometimes it’s not the case,” Chmerkovskiy reportedly said, noting that Jenna had “an uphill climb” with Feldman. He described her season as “really difficult for her,” but also called for respect toward her as a reigning champion, adding that “people should put some respect on her name.”
His remarks quickly fueled headlines and social media chatter, painting a picture of an allegedly strained relationship between Feldman and Johnson — a narrative that intensified after their early elimination in Week 2.
Feldman’s Response: Praise for Jenna Johnson
Feldman wasted no time in shutting down the gossip. After their elimination, he took to social media to show support for Johnson and to thank her for the experience they shared during their short run on the show.
“Thank you, Jenna! You were an absolute joy to work with,” Feldman wrote. “I’m so sorry for any negativity the media is using to create a false narrative that our time together was anything less than enjoyable.”
He added that he had been fully committed to the process, sharing that he had trained “seven days a week for the past three weeks” and had done everything he could to give his best effort, even if the judges’ scores did not always reflect it.
In post-elimination interviews, Feldman continued to express admiration for his professional partner. “She was the queen from last year, so she deserves to be the champ every year in my book,” he said. “I feel really terrible because she deserved better.”
Jenna Johnson’s Perspective
Johnson has kept her response poised and professional. In a heartfelt Instagram post following their elimination, she thanked Feldman for the effort and dedication he brought to the competition, noting that while their journey was cut short, she was grateful for the memories they created together.
“Our time together was cut short, but I am so grateful for the incredible weeks we did get to share,” she wrote. “Thank you for the giggles every day in rehearsal and for working so hard.”
Johnson also mentioned that she and Feldman shared a heartfelt moment after being voted off, saying they had “a little cry” together in their trailer, reflecting the genuine bond they built during the competition despite the challenges they faced.
Challenges Leading Up to the Season
The narrative of a “difficult” season wasn’t entirely without context. Early in rehearsals, fans noticed that Feldman was absent from several practice sessions in the weeks leading up to the premiere. Johnson later clarified that Feldman had personal and professional commitments that delayed their official training start, but the pair stayed in touch during that time.
Their first in-person rehearsal reportedly didn’t happen until about a week before the season’s debut, leaving them at a disadvantage compared to other couples who had been training longer. Johnson mentioned that Feldman came in with humility and eagerness to learn, asking her to “treat me like the biggest beginner” because he had no ballroom or partnering experience.
This compressed rehearsal schedule likely contributed to their early struggles on the dance floor, including technical shortcomings and nerves that became evident in their performances.
Tough Scores and Early Elimination
In the season premiere, Feldman and Johnson performed a tango to Billy Joel’s “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me.” While the routine was energetic and received compliments for its entertainment value, the judges were less impressed by the technique, awarding them a combined score of 9 out of 20 — one of the lowest scores of the night. The scoring prompted audible boos from the live audience, who felt the pair deserved higher marks.
The following week, the duo returned with another routine but struggled again to impress the judges, leading to their elimination during a double-cut episode. While disappointed, Feldman took the exit in stride, praising Johnson for her hard work and expressing regret that he couldn’t help her advance further in the competition.
Behind the Headlines: Resilience and Reputation
For Feldman, the speculation surrounding his time on DWTS reflects a broader challenge he has faced throughout his decades in the entertainment industry — battling public perception. By publicly refuting the “difficult partner” narrative and praising Johnson’s professionalism, he sought to demonstrate his dedication and to protect not only his own reputation but also that of his dance partner.
The actor’s candid statements and his willingness to accept responsibility for their struggles on the dance floor painted a picture of humility and gratitude, qualities that resonated with many of his fans.
For Johnson, the situation highlighted her reputation as a seasoned professional capable of handling challenges with grace. By avoiding drama and focusing on the positives, she reinforced her image as a strong and supportive partner, even in less-than-ideal circumstances.
Lessons from the Experience
Their story underscores several truths about Dancing With the Stars: behind every glittering performance lies hours of hard work, and not every partnership enjoys the luxury of a smooth journey. Compressed rehearsal time, competing schedules, and the physical demands of live performance all add layers of difficulty that often go unseen by viewers.
It also highlights the importance of public narratives in reality TV culture. In a show where personal stories often carry as much weight as technical dance scores, how participants are perceived can significantly impact their journey.
Looking Ahead
Although their time on DWTS Season 34 was brief, Feldman and Johnson’s partnership will be remembered for its resilience in the face of adversity. Feldman’s refusal to let rumors define their experience, combined with Johnson’s professionalism and grace, left fans with a more nuanced understanding of their short-lived journey.
As the competition continues without them, both Feldman and Johnson are moving forward. Feldman has expressed interest in returning to acting and music projects, while Johnson remains focused on the show, supporting her fellow pros and contestants.
Their experience serves as a reminder that behind the sequins and spotlights of reality television are real people navigating challenges, striving to give their best, and sometimes finding camaraderie and respect even in defeat.
