Behind the Ballroom Curtain: Tension Mounts in Season 34
The 34th season of “Dancing with the Stars” has just begun, but the most talked-about drama isn’t happening on the dance floor. Reports and insider comments suggest significant friction between two-time champion pro Jenna Johnson and her celebrity partner, 1980s film icon Corey Feldman. What began as a promising pairing for the reigning champ has quickly become a source of backstage turmoil, confirmed by none other than Johnson’s own brother-in-law and former DWTS pro, Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
A Rocky Start and a Telling Absence
Whispers of trouble began circulating shortly after the full cast was announced on September 3, 2025. Fans noticed a lack of social media updates from Johnson and Feldman, a stark contrast to other pairs who were actively documenting their rehearsal progress. The reason became clear on September 6, when Johnson, 31, took to her Instagram Story to address the questions.
“To be completely honest, I actually haven’t seen him since ‘Good Morning America,’” she revealed, explaining that Feldman, 54, had prior work and personal commitments. This meant the pair lost nearly a week of crucial practice time before finally reuniting in the studio on September 8. This initial disconnect set a challenging tone for their partnership before they had even learned their first steps together.
Confirmation from a Pro: An “Uphill Climb”
The speculation was given significant weight when Maksim Chmerkovskiy, 45, spoke to the Daily Mail about the situation. He confirmed that his sister-in-law was facing a serious challenge with her partner.
“Obviously, Jenna has a bit of an uphill climb with Corey… 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,” Chmerkovskiy stated. He was quick to dismiss Feldman’s age as a factor, instead pointing to a different issue. “I think that it’s a combination [of technique and work ethic],” he explained. “Maybe it’s not such a comfort zone for him.”
Chmerkovskiy, a Mirrorball Trophy winner himself, urged fans to show respect for Johnson, reminding them, “You’re talking about a reigning champ, so put some respect on the name.”
From Low Scores to Alleged Misery
The backstage difficulties translated directly to their performance during the season premiere on September 16. The pair’s tango received a score of just 9 out of a possible 20 from judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli, tying for the lowest score of the night. This was a disappointing start for Johnson, who won the previous season with “Bachelor” star Joey Graziadei.
The challenges may extend beyond just one couple. An insider source claimed that both Jenna and her husband, fellow pro Val Chmerkovskiy, who is partnered with influencer Alix Earle, are “miserable” this season. The source added that the professional dancers have allegedly been warned by producers, stating, “we don’t complain about our celebrity participants.”
This narrative contrasts sharply with the initial optimism surrounding the pairing. Before the season, Feldman had expressed his excitement to learn from Johnson, while she aimed to give him the “best experience possible.” As reported by digitaltrendstoday.com, the diverse cast of Season 34 is filled with compelling stories, but the Johnson-Feldman dynamic has quickly become the one to watch. As the competition heats up, viewers are left to wonder if the seasoned champion can overcome this “really difficult” partnership and guide her partner to a successful run, or if the early tension is a sign of a quick exit from the ballroom.
