Val Chmerkovskiy is weighing in on Corey Feldman’s recent claims about the allegedly “toxic” behind-the-scenes environment on Dancing With the Stars.
In the comments section of People’s Instagram post about Feldman’s remarks, Chmerkovskiy, 39, wrote on Saturday, November 22, “🧐🤔🤐🤥.”
Past DWTS contestants chimed in, disagreeing with Feldman’s comments.
“Such a lie! its the most welcoming experience,” Lele Pons wrote, while Amy Purdy said, “Never experienced anything toxic when I was on the show.” Mauricio Umansky added, “There is nothing toxic on the show. It’s such a welcoming family.”
Feldman, 54, exited the DWTS ballroom in the first round of elimination in September with partner Jenna Johnson, who is married to Chmerkovskiy. Months later, Feldman made headlines when he claimed that there was a ‘toxic” behind-the-scenes culture at DWTS.
“There was a lot of stupidity in the mudslinging that went on behind the scenes,” Feldman said in a preview for an upcoming episode of the Guvery’s Law radio show, which was obtained by The Daily Mail on Saturday. “Actually, there everything was great. 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.”
Ahead of Feldman’s elimination, Val’s brother, Maksim Chermkovskiy, claimed that Johnson, 31, was having a “difficult time” with the child actor. (Maksim, for his part, was a pro on DWTS for several years and ultimately left the show after season 25.)
Feldman continued on the show, “You start reading these things in the paper, like, ‘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.’”
When Feldman asked Johnson about the report, he claimed she rolled her eyes and said, “’Oh it’s just Maks. Don’t pay attention to him. He just wants attention.’ I was like, ‘Oh my God.’”
Us Weekly reached out to ABC for comment at the time. Feldman clarified his comments in a statement to People on Saturday.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that my experience on Dancing With the Stars has been positive. Everyone associated with the show — from my fellow cast members to the pros, crew and production team — has treated me with nothing but kindness, support and respect,” he said. “The issues I was referring to have nothing to do with the show itself. They relate to the outside commentary, rumors and individuals who are no longer directly involved with DWTS but still feel entitled to weigh in and create unnecessary drama.”
He continued, “I’m looking forward to getting back to rehearsals this week and can’t wait to dance with Jenna again. The DWTS family has been wonderful, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.”
The DWTS season 34 finale airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesday, November 25, at 8 p.m. ET, with the episode streaming the next day on Hulu.
Prove your DWTS fandom with Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv! Compete against other fans and Us editors in the Bracketology DWTS fantasy league this season to predict which pairs will make it to the finale for season 34. Get access to exclusive content, stats and a chance to win prizes. Join the league for free today!
