Corey Feldman Describes Backstage Environment of Dancing with the Stars as Toxic
Former child star Corey Feldman is revealing what he describes as a “toxic” culture behind the scenes of Dancing With the Stars.
“There was a lot of nonsense in the drama that unfolded behind the scenes,” Feldman shared in a teaser for an upcoming episode of the Guvery’s Law radio show, as reported by The Daily Mail on Saturday, November 22.
“Honestly, everything was wonderful,” he allegedly stated. “But the off-stage antics and BS that people spread around the show—I’ve never witnessed anything like it. It’s the most toxic.”
He further explained, “On set, everyone gets along. Everyone’s fantastic. Everyone’s happy. You’re busy working; you don’t have time to look around. You’re just focused.”
Us Weekly has contacted ABC for a statement.
The Goonies star made a brief appearance in season 34 of the popular reality dance competition, paired with professional dancer Jenna Johnson. They were ultimately eliminated in the season’s second episode, along with Baron Davis and Britt Stewart, marking the first double elimination of the season. Their total score of 24 out of 50 placed them last.
While taking their final bow, Feldman was asked about his time on the show. The former child star praised Johnson as an “amazing” partner, stating that she “deserved better.”
“You start seeing these things in the news, ‘This person’s upset with this person. These individuals aren’t speaking to each other.’ Or, ‘Are people putting in enough effort? Corey Feldman ruined the show. He completely destroyed it because he was such an egomaniac, and it was difficult to collaborate with him,’” Feldman reportedly mentioned in the preview for the upcoming episode. “‘Oh, it’s just Max [Maksim Chmerkovskiy]. Don’t give him attention. He just craves it.’ I was like, ‘Oh my god.’”
Following the actor’s elimination, Johnson’s brother-in-law, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, informed The Daily Mail that the pro was having a “really challenging time” collaborating with Feldman.
On September 24, Johnson reflected on her brief experience with Feldman through an Instagram post.
“Corey, our time together was short-lived, but I am SO thankful for the amazing weeks we shared,” she captioned alongside video clips showcasing their practice sessions. “Thank you for the laughter during rehearsals, your hard work, and for sharing your life stories with me! I’ll always treasure our friendship. Never stop dancing.”
Feldman responded to his former dance partner in the comments, ultimately apologizing for “the misleading narrative” surrounding their stint on the show.
“Thank you, Jenna! You were an absolute delight to work with. I sincerely apologize for any negativity the media is using to create a false narrative that our time together was anything less than enjoyable,” he wrote at that time, hinting at Chmerkovskiy’s earlier comments.
“And you know, just as well as I do, that I was there seven days a week for the last three weeks, doing everything possible to give you my best, even if the judges couldn’t see it,” he added. “God bless your family. Keep dancing your dream.”
