Corey Feldman Calls ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Behind-the-Scenes Atmosphere ‘Toxic’
Corey Feldman is speaking out about what he describes as a “toxic” environment behind the cameras on Dancing with the Stars.
In a preview for an upcoming episode of the Gurvey’s Law radio show, obtained by the Daily Mail, the 54-year-old Goonies actor reflected on his brief stint on the hit dance competition, which was cut short during week two’s double elimination. Feldman, who had been paired with professional dancer Jenna Johnson, performed a cha-cha to Sir Mix-a-Lot’s iconic “Baby Got Back” before being sent home.
“There was a lot of stupidity in the mudslinging that went on behind the scenes,” Feldman told the outlet. “Actually there, everything was great. But the behind-the-scenes drama and BS that people throw around that show, I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s the worst, like, most toxic.”
Feldman emphasized that the tensions he described did not extend to the set itself. “On the set everybody gets along,” he said. “Everybody’s great. Everybody’s happy. You’re working hard. You don’t even have time to look up. You’re just working.”
Reports of tension had surfaced after his elimination. Maksim Chmerkovskiy, the brother-in-law of Feldman’s dance partner Jenna Johnson, told the Daily Mail that Johnson had been having a “really difficult” time working with Feldman.
Feldman addressed those reports on the radio show, recounting the experience of seeing headlines suggesting conflicts among cast members. “You start reading these things in the paper, like, ‘This person’s mad at this person. These people aren’t talking to each other,’ or, ‘Are people working hard enough?’ ‘Corey Feldman destroyed the show. He destroyed the whole show because he was such an egomaniac it’s so difficult to work with,’” he said.
The actor said he confronted Johnson about the claims, and according to Feldman, she dismissed them. “She rolled her eyes and said, ‘Oh it’s just Max. Don’t pay attention to him. He just wants attention.’ I was like, ‘Oh my God,’” Feldman recalled.
ABC did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding Feldman’s remarks.
On Saturday, Nov. 22, Feldman issued a statement to clarify his comments. “I want to make it absolutely clear that my experience on Dancing with the Stars has been positive. Everyone associated with the show — from my fellow cast members to the pros, crew and production team — has treated me with nothing but kindness, support and respect,” he said.
He added, “The issues I was referring to have nothing to do with the show itself. They relate to the outside commentary, rumors and individuals who are no longer directly involved with DWTS but still feel entitled to weigh in and create unnecessary drama.”
Feldman added, “I’m looking forward to getting back to rehearsals this week and can’t wait to dance with Jenna again. The DWTS family has been wonderful, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.”
Earlier, on Sept. 24, Johnson, 31, shared an Instagram recap reflecting on her time with Feldman on the show.
“Corey 💘 Our time together was cut short but I am SO grateful for the incredible weeks we did get to share,” she wrote alongside video clips from their rehearsals. “Thank you for the giggles every day in rehearsal, thank you for the hard work, and thank you for sharing your life lessons and memories with me! I’ll cherish our friendship forever. Never stop dancing.”
In the comments, Feldman expressed his gratitude toward his partner, who is married to Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s younger brother, Valentin.
“Thank U Jenna! U were an absolute joy to work with,” he wrote. “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 continued, “U know as well as I do that I was there seven days a week for the past three weeks, doing everything in my power to give U my best, even if the judges couldn’t see it. God bless your family. Keep dancing the dream.”
