Corey Feldman Unearths Decade-Old 'Dancing With The Stars' Feud with Jenna Johnson: A Candid Reflection

A decade after his memorable, albeit tumultuous, run on ABC's 'Dancing With the Stars,' iconic actor Corey Feldman has bravely pulled back the curtain on the 'uncomfortable' and deeply challenging partnership he shared with professional dancer Jenna Johnson. In a recent candid discussion, Feldman revisited the 2012 season, revealing the lingering emotional impact of what he describes as a palpable feud that defined much of his time on the hit reality competition.

Feldman, known for his roles in classics like 'The Goonies' and 'Stand By Me,' entered the DWTS ballroom in 2012 as a contestant brimming with enthusiasm.

However, the experience quickly soured due to an alleged clash with his then-partner, Jenna Johnson. Johnson, who was a mere 18 years old at the time to Feldman's 41, was a new face on the professional circuit, and Feldman now suggests her competitive drive, while admirable, proved detrimental to their dynamic.

“It was an uncomfortable experience because I felt like I was being looked down on a little bit,” Feldman recounted, reflecting on the perceived imbalance in their partnership.

He elaborated on feeling 'disrespected' and that Johnson, despite her youth and inexperience on the main stage, seemed unwilling to truly collaborate or understand his unique artistic vision. This sentiment points to a stark contrast in their approach to the competition, with Feldman perhaps seeking a more theatrical, expressive journey, while Johnson was likely focused on technical perfection and competitive advancement.

One particular moment that appears to have cemented Feldman’s feelings of disconnect was their infamous 'vampire' themed dance.

Feldman felt Johnson didn't 'get' his artistic concept, leading to further friction. This highlights a common tension point on 'Dancing With the Stars' where a celebrity's creative aspirations meet a professional's choreographic demands and the pressure of live performance and judging.

While Feldman has now openly shared his side of the story, Jenna Johnson has remained publicly silent on these specific allegations.

Since 2012, Johnson's career on 'Dancing With the Stars' has soared; she has become a beloved and highly successful pro dancer, known for her sharp choreography and nurturing partnerships, even securing a Mirrorball Trophy win with Adam Rippon in 2018. Her journey from a young, competitive newcomer to a seasoned veteran is notable, making Feldman's resurfaced comments all the more poignant in retrospect.

Despite the challenges, Feldman acknowledges the inherent difficulty of the DWTS experience for any celebrity, especially those not naturally inclined towards dance.

The rigorous training, the intense scrutiny, and the public's expectations create a pressure cooker environment. When asked by his wife, Courtney Anne, if he would ever consider a return to the ballroom, Feldman's response was a cautious 'never say never.' However, he made it unequivocally clear that any potential comeback would absolutely necessitate a different professional partner, underscoring the deep-seated impact of his past feud.

Corey Feldman’s candid revelations serve as a powerful reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of reality television lie very real human interactions and emotions.

His willingness to revisit such a painful chapter offers a rare glimpse into the often-unseen struggles that can unfold when personalities clash under the intense spotlight, leaving an indelible mark long after the final scores are tallied.