Former child actor Corey Feldman is opening up for what he claims is a “toxic” behind-the-scenes culture at Dancing With the Stars.
“There was a lot of stupidity in the mudslinging that went on behind the scenes,” Feldman claimed in a preview for an upcoming episode of the Guvery’s Law radio show, obtained by The Daily Mail on Saturday, November 22.
“Actually, there everything was great,” he reportedly said. “But the behind-the-scenes drama and BS that people throw around the show, I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s the worst, like, most toxic.”
He continued, “On the set everybody gets along. Everybody’s great. Everybody’s happy. You’re working hard. You don’t have time to look up. You’re just working.”
Us Weekly has reached out to ABC for comment.
The Goonies star briefly appeared on season 34 of the hit reality dance competition, paired with professional dancer Jenna Johnson. They were ultimately eliminated during the second episode of the season, alongside Baron Davis and Britt Stewart — the first double elimination of season 34. Their combined score of 24 out of 50 left the pair in last place.
Corey Feldman Getty Images
While taking their final bow, Feldman was asked about his experience on the show. The former child actor said that Johnson had been an “amazing” partner and that she “deserved better.”
“You start reading these things in the paper, ‘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,’” Feldman reportedly continued during the upcoming episode’s preview. “‘Oh, it’s just Max [Maksim Chmerkovskiy]. Don’t pay attention to him. He just wants attention.’ I was like, ‘Oh my god.’”
After the actor was eliminated, Johnson’s brother-in-law, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, told The Daily Mail that the pro was having a “really difficult time” working with Feldman.
On September 24, Johnson recapped her short-lived time on the show with Feldman via Instagram.
“Corey. Our time together was cut short but I am SO grateful for the incredible weeks we did get to share,” she wrote at the time, alongside video clips highlighting the former dance couple’s time practicing in the studio. “Thank you for the giggles everyday 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.”
Feldman addressed his former dance partner in the comments section, ultimately apologizing for “the false narrative” surrounding their time on the show.
“Thank U Jenna! U were an absolute joy to work with. 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 wrote at the time, alluding to Chmerkovskiy’s previous claims.
“And U know as well as I do that I was there 7 days a week for the past 3 weeks, doing everything in my power to give U my best, even if the judges couldn’t see it,” he continued. “God Bless your family. Keep dancing the dream.”
