“Dancing With the Stars Drama: Maksim Chmerkovskiy Reveals Jenna Johnson Is Having a ‘Really Difficult’ Time with Corey Feldman After Missed Rehearsals and Rocky First Dance”
“Dancing With the Stars” Season 34 may have only just begun, but behind the glittering ballroom lights and dazzling costumes, real tension is brewing between reigning champion Jenna Johnson and her new celebrity partner, actor and musician Corey Feldman. According to fellow professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who is also Johnson’s brother-in-law, the pairing has already proven to be “really difficult” for the usually upbeat pro.
Chmerkovskiy didn’t mince words when speaking with the Daily Mail, revealing that Johnson has been struggling to get Feldman up to speed. While some may assume the 53-year-old star’s age is the issue, Maksim clarified that age is not the problem. Instead, he pointed to Feldman’s lack of dance ability, inconsistency in rehearsals, and unease with the demanding pace of the competition.
“The show is not just about learning choreography,” Chmerkovskiy explained. “It’s a whole machine—press, fittings, interviews, rehearsals, and the emotional pressure of live performances. If someone isn’t fully committed, their pro partner feels all of that weight.”
Reports suggest that Feldman missed nearly a week of rehearsal time following the official cast announcement, leaving Johnson frustrated and behind schedule. During that period, Jenna even admitted she hadn’t seen him in days, sparking speculation about their readiness for the premiere. When they finally hit the stage for their tango, the cracks were visible. Judges awarded them just 9 out of 20 points, one of the lowest scores of the night, citing shaky technique and a lack of connection.
For Johnson, who lifted the mirrorball trophy just last season with social media personality Jason Derulo, the struggle marks a dramatic shift. Known for her patience and upbeat coaching style, she has earned a reputation as one of DWTS’ most adaptable pros. But Chmerkovskiy noted that even the toughest coaches can find it exhausting when a celebrity isn’t fully engaged.
To make matters more complicated, producers are reportedly keeping a close eye on professional dancers who air frustrations publicly. Both Johnson and her husband, fellow pro Val Chmerkovskiy, have allegedly been warned not to openly criticize their partners, no matter how tough the rehearsals may get. That hasn’t stopped Maks from speaking out, perhaps in an effort to shield Jenna from backlash while still acknowledging the behind-the-scenes reality.
For Feldman, whose Hollywood career spans from iconic 1980s films like The Goonies and Stand By Me to his more recent ventures in music, the show represents a chance at reinvention. Yet his shaky debut and rumors of limited rehearsal commitment may already be jeopardizing that comeback.
Still, “Dancing With the Stars” is a marathon, not a sprint. Many celebrities have stumbled out of the gate only to grow into fan favorites as the weeks progress. With Johnson’s talent and determination, there’s always a chance the pair could turn things around—if Feldman puts in the work.
As the ballroom gears up for Week 2, fans will be watching closely to see whether this troubled partnership can rise from the bottom of the leaderboard—or if Corey Feldman will become the season’s first casualty.
