Corey Feldman Slams Dancing with the Stars for “Toxic” Behind-the-Scenes Culture –

The actor says the environment left him stunned, calling it unlike anything he’s experienced in decades in Hollywood

Feldman Speaks Out

22 November 2025: Corey Feldman is opening up about his experience on Dancing with the Stars, calling the show’s behind-the-scenes culture “toxic” and “unlike anything” he has witnessed throughout his long career in entertainment. Feldman revealed that the energy backstage was far from the glamorous, upbeat atmosphere fans see on screen — instead describing an environment marked by tension, pressure and what he felt were unhealthy expectations placed on contestants.

The actor, known for his candor, said he felt compelled to speak publicly because he believes the competition show’s culture needs a serious overhaul.

“I’ve Never Seen Anything Like It”

According to Feldman, the stress and emotional toll on participants went far beyond the intensity of rehearsals. He described moments of conflict, overwhelming pressure from production and a competitive environment that he felt pitted contestants against one another behind closed doors.

Feldman stated that in all his decades of working in the entertainment industry — from major films to reality television — he had “never seen anything like” what he experienced backstage at the dance competition.

A Call for Change

HOLR has the latest news, and Feldman didn’t stop at calling out the issues — he also urged the show’s producers to rethink how they support dancers and celebrities. He believes a healthier working atmosphere would not only help the performers mentally and physically, but also lead to stronger storytelling and more genuine moments on screen.

He emphasized that audiences deserve authenticity and that contestants deserve a safe, respectful work environment, regardless of the pressures tied to a live competition show.

Fans React to His Claims

Since Feldman’s comments surfaced, fans have taken to social media to debate the state of Dancing with the Stars. Some expressed shock, while others claimed the allegations align with other stories of behind-the-scenes challenges on long-running televised competitions. Many praised Feldman for speaking out, saying his transparency may encourage more celebrities to share their experiences.

What are the biggest stories trending online today? Read the latest here