Corey Feldman Wasn’t Lazy on DWTS, Distracted by Charlie Sheen Headlines

Corey Feldman was not lazy on Dancing With the Stars, according to multiple people close to the actor, who say he showed up every day and gave his best effort during rehearsals. Feldman and his partner Jenna Johnson were eliminated early, leaving the competition after the second episode during One-Hit Wonders Night, a double elimination that also sent home Baron Davis and Britt Stewart. The exits followed weeks of tabloid chatter about Feldman’s personal history, including his feud with Charlie Sheen that dominated headlines while he was on the show.

A source close to Feldman stressed that the actor, who turned 54 this year, “showed up every day and worked his ass off,” countering persistent rumors that he was slack in rehearsals. Former DWTS pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who is Johnson’s brother-in-law, weighed in as well, suggesting that age and the challenge of learning choreography could complicate a contestant’s progress. “Maybe [learning choreography is] not such a comfort zone for him,” Chmerkovskiy said, adding that technique and work ethic can influence outcomes on the dance floor. Another insider contended that producers sometimes select stars who appear less committed, but stressed Feldman was not among those described as lacking dedication. “Yes, Corey is one of them” was the paraphrase of that assessment, the source added. Nevertheless, friends within the cast maintained there was no ill will toward Johnson—only a sense of rivalry between public narratives about Feldman’s commitment and the reality of his daily effort.

Behind the scenes, there was a parallel storyline about Feldman’s relationship with Johnson. A separate insider said the two formed a real bond, noting that Feldman “developed a great friendship with Jenna” and that he looked forward to staying in touch and possibly meeting her son. The mutual respect suggested by those close to the pair painted a more nuanced picture than any headlines about parity or friction on the dance floor.

The off-screen chatter extended beyond the studio walls, with headlines focusing on Feldman’s past interactions with Charlie Sheen. Feldman had previously alleged that Sheen raped his late best friend, the actor Corey Haim. Sheen has denied the allegations in his Netflix documentary, saying that the claims are “absolute f—ing bullsh*t.” While Feldman moved forward with the DWTS competition, those stories nonetheless reverberated in the background, contributing to a sense that Feldman’s public image was navigating a maze of nostalgia, controversy, and competitive pressure.

Despite the distractions, Feldman’s social ties within the DWTS circle appeared to endure. A People magazine party visit with fellow cast members occurred while Sheen’s cover activity dominated headlines, illustrating how the cast balanced high-profile media moments with real-time competition. Insiders noted Feldman’s connections with colleagues such as Alix Earle and Elaine Hendrix, suggesting support networks within the show helped him cope with the broader media narrative surrounding his personal history and public feuds. The ensemble nature of DWTS—where team dynamics, practice schedules, and media narratives converge—means that performances on air can be shaped by events off camera as much as by rehearsals, a reality reflected in Feldman’s early exit and the conversations that followed.

Images from DWTS coverage captured Feldman’s exit and the crowd's reaction, underscoring the spectacle of a season that blends entertainment lore with contemporary celebrity headlines. As Feldman moves forward, observers will watch to see how his public narrative evolves—whether the emphasis shifts from past feuds to present performances and future opportunities in film, music, and stage projects. The conversation around Feldman’s time on DWTS illustrates how culture and celebrity intersect in real time, with fans and critics parsing both the on-screen choreography and the off-screen headlines that accompany a star’s public life.