Behind the Scenes Tension on Dancing With the Stars
Season 34 of 'Dancing With the Stars' has kicked off with its share of drama, particularly surrounding actor Corey Feldman and his professional dance partner Jenna Johnson. Reports have surfaced detailing struggles in their partnership, with former DWTS pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who is Johnson's brother-in-law, publicly commenting on the difficulties she faced. Chmerkovskiy noted that Johnson found it 'really difficult' to work with Feldman, citing challenges related to his lack of dance experience and work ethic.
According to sources, Feldman missed rehearsals for five days leading up to the season premiere on September 17, which impacted their performance. The pair received a low score of nine out of 20 for their Tango to Billy Joel's 'It's Still Rock and Roll to Me,' tying for the lowest score of the night. This lack of preparation and subsequent poor performance has fueled speculation about tension between Feldman and Johnson, despite their cheerful appearances in behind-the-scenes social media content.
Feldman's Fiery Response to Criticism
In response to Chmerkovskiy's claims, Corey Feldman took to social media to defend himself and address the narrative surrounding his partnership with Johnson. Commenting on Johnson's Instagram post, Feldman expressed frustration over what he called a 'false narrative' being spread about their working relationship. He emphasized that he showed up daily for rehearsals when not sidelined by prior commitments, pushing back against accusations of a lack of dedication.
Feldman's elimination from the show on September 24 added another layer of drama to the situation, as he reportedly walked off stage following the announcement. His public rebuttal to Chmerkovskiy's statements has sparked further conversation among fans and viewers, with many weighing in on social media platforms about the perceived feud. Feldman's pointed remarks highlight his determination to set the record straight and challenge the portrayal of his efforts on the show.
Impact on Fans and Future Implications
The controversy surrounding Feldman and Johnson has not gone unnoticed by the 'Dancing With the Stars' fanbase, with opinions split on who bears responsibility for the partnership's struggles. Posts on social media platforms indicate a mix of support for Feldman, with some fans arguing he 'deserved better' judging during the premiere, while others sympathize with Johnson's challenges in guiding an inexperienced dancer through the competition.
As the season progresses, this incident raises questions about how behind-the-scenes dynamics are portrayed to the public and the impact of such narratives on contestants. The show's producers have yet to comment officially on the situation, leaving room for speculation about how future episodes might address or gloss over these tensions. For now, the spotlight remains on Feldman and Johnson, even as other pairings continue to vie for the coveted mirrorball trophy.