September 24, 2025
In a candid revelation, retired “Dancing with the Stars” professional Maksim Chmerkovskiy has shared insights into the struggles faced by his sister-in-law, fellow dancer Jenna Johnson, during her latest stint on the hit ABC competition series.
Former #DWTS pro dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy is spilling insider info about his sister-in-law, Jenna Johnson, and how she’s been feeling with her celeb partner, Corey Feldman
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— JustJared.com (@JustJared) September 24, 2025
Johnson, a seasoned pro on the show, drew Feldman, the longtime actor known for roles in ’80s classics like “The Goonies” and “Stand by Me,” as her celebrity partner for Season 33. The duo’s run came to an end this week following their exit from the competition, but not before Chmerkovskiy weighed in on the behind-the-scenes pressures Johnson has endured.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Chmerkovskiy acknowledged the visible hurdles in their partnership, emphasizing that the reality for Johnson has been far tougher than what viewers might perceive from afar. “It’s clear Jenna faces a steep challenge alongside Corey—something that’s obvious to observers on the outside,” he noted. “But from what I know firsthand, she’s grappling with a level of difficulty in the whole process that’s genuinely taking a toll on her.”
Chmerkovskiy, who himself competed on multiple seasons of “DWTS” and won the Mirrorball Trophy twice, highlighted the multifaceted demands of the production. Beyond perfecting routines on the dance floor, participants navigate a whirlwind of logistics, from coordinating with large crews to fielding back-to-back media obligations—all squeezed into tight schedules that include practice sessions and recovery time. “You’re constantly managing interactions with so many team members, handling press duties, and finding moments to process setbacks, all while pushing through physical strain,” he explained.
He further pointed out the interpersonal dynamics at play, stressing that success on the show often hinges on a dancer’s ability to guide and assert themselves with adult collaborators under intense scrutiny. Despite these obstacles, Chmerkovskiy expressed confidence in Johnson’s resilience: “She’ll push through and make it work.”
Adding context to their pairing, Johnson had mentioned in pre-season interviews that communication with Feldman had been limited leading up to the show’s launch, setting the stage for what would become a demanding collaboration.
The topic has sparked conversation online, including a post from entertainment outlet JustJared.com on X (formerly Twitter), which teased Chmerkovskiy’s comments and linked to further details on the story. Fans of the long-running series, now in its 33rd installment, continue to buzz about the emotional and professional layers that define these high-stakes partnerships.
