Corey Feldman Describes “Dancing With the Stars” Behind-the-Scenes Toxicity

Corey Feldman revealed the behind-the-scenes environment of “Dancing With the Stars” is marked by what he calls “unusually toxic” conversations. In an upcoming episode of the “Gurvey’s Law” radio show, released by the Daily Mail, Feldman detailed his concerns about the off-camera atmosphere, stating that work inside the studio was straightforward but the conversation outside it suggested otherwise. “There was a lot of stupidity in the mudslinging that went on behind the scenes,” he said. “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 appeared in Season 34 with professional dancer Jenna Johnson, whose partnership lasted two weeks, ending after a cha-cha to Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back.” He described rehearsals as conflict-free and cast members maintaining a focused routine throughout taping. “On the set, everybody gets along. Everybody’s great; everybody’s happy. You’re working hard. You don’t even have time to look up; you’re just working,” he said in the interview. However, Feldman noted that problems emerged when he saw stories describing alleged disagreements among participants or claims that his involvement had negatively affected the show. “This person’s mad at this person. These people aren’t talking to each other,” he said, citing reports accusing him of causing trouble, including claims that “Corey Feldman destroyed the show.”

Some of that commentary reflected earlier remarks from former “Dancing With the Stars” professional Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who told the Daily Mail in September that Johnson was struggling with the season’s pairing. “Obviously, Jenna has a bit of an uphill climb with Corey, which is easy for everybody to say from [outside],” Chmerkovskiy said. “But I know that she’s having a much more difficult time with this entire thing and to the point that it is really difficult for her.” According to Feldman, he later asked Johnson about the comments. He said she dismissed them and responded, “‘Oh, it’s just Maks. Don’t pay attention to him; he just wants attention.'”

Feldman released a statement to clarify his position, emphasizing that his remarks were not directed at the show’s staff or cast. “I want to make it absolutely clear that my experience on Dancing with the Stars has been positive,” he said in the statement. “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 noted that concerns involved only commentary from those outside the production. “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 said he is looking forward to returning to rehearsals and dancing with Jenna again. “The ‘DWTS’ family has been wonderful, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.” He returned to the set in recent days, sharing photos from the visit, including a reunion with Johnson and shots with professional dancer Britt Stewart and former NBA player Baron Davis, the first pair eliminated this season.