‘DWTS’ Pro Jenna Johnson Receives Hurtful DM Aimed at Her Son

“Dancing With the Stars” pro Jenna Johnson called out an internet troll after receiving a hurtful message criticizing her 2-year-old son Rome. Johnson took to her Instagram stories to explain the incident to fans, posting a screenshot of a DM she received in response to a sweet pic of her and son. 

The user pointed out that they thought Rome was “too old” to be drinking from a bottle, using offensive and hurtful language. Johnson clapped back in a lengthy comment, proving she is not the mama bear to mess with.

“What world are we living in?? I understand that I put my life out there publicly, which I honestly want to STOP doing when extremely rude and harmful messages toward my baby are sent to me,” Johnson wrote above the screenshot.

The fact that the user was holding a baby in her own profile pic did not escape Johnson either. “Also, you yourself are a MOM!!!!” the dancer wrote. “Would you want me, a total stranger, to DM you this about your child? Because he’s drinking from a bottle??? Like WHAT ON EARTH IS HAPPENING.”

Fans Rallied Around Johnson

The incident struck a major chord with fans who leapt to Johnson’s defense on Reddit. A fan shared a screenshot of Johnson’s story and wrote, “This is so INSANE and makes me furious for her!!! These dancers share their lives so publicly and it’s so infuriating to see how people interact with them. Sending Jenna so much love!”

Other fans echoed the sentiment, and it seems many reached out to Johnson via social media as well. On July 6, she shared a follow-up post to her stories thanking her fans for their support. 

“I honestly cried reading ALL your messages,” Johnson wrote. “My heart really hurt yesterday at how vile and mean some people can be, but once again I was shown just how much this little community of mine on here can also show up.” She added, “You gave me the love, support, and kindness that I believe in!”

Johnson’s Happy Family Life

Johnson is married to fellow “DWTS” pro Valentin Chmerkovskiy, having tied the knot in 2019. In January of 2023 the couple welcomed Rome. Johnson often posts adorable pics of her sweet family on Instagram, clearly very proud of her son. 

And he may one day grow up to be a dancer just like mom and dad. Chmerkovskiy shared with People that Rome is active in gymnastics and swimming, and loves to perform. “He loves to dance, loves to sing,” Chmerkovskiy said. “He is a performer.”