Jenna Johnson, the beloved Dancing With the Stars pro, is fighting back against viral AI-generated rumors claiming she and husband Val Chmerkovskiy were in a near-fatal car crash. Calling the speculation “disgusting” and “fake news,” Johnson’s response highlights the growing danger of misinformation in the digital age.
Over the weekend, a wave of alarming posts spread across social media, claiming that Jenna Johnson and her husband, fellow DWTS pro Val Chmerkovskiy, had been gravely injured in a catastrophic car accident. The posts, which included images of a totaled vehicle, quickly went viral, prompting hundreds of concerned fans to reach out to Johnson. On Sunday, January 18, the dancer took to Instagram Stories to set the record straight.
“It has been brought to my attention by hundreds of you that there is an article circulating that I was involved in an accident with other horrifying information,” Johnson wrote. “This is absolutely FAKE NEWS.”
The 31-year-old did not minced words, directly blaming artificial intelligence for the fabrication. “It is SO disturbing that AI is being used to spread misinformation like this,” she stated. “Real lives should not be joked around with.”
The Danger of AI-Generated Misinformation
Johnson’s response underscores a growing crisis in digital media: the rapid spread of AI-generated falsehoods. Unlike traditional tabloid rumors, these fabricated stories can be produced at scale, complete with convincing details and manipulated imagery. The Dancing With the Stars community, known for its passionate fanbase, became an unwitting target, with many followers expressing genuine distress over the fake reports.
“Please stop using my pictures to spread false news articles for clickbait,” Johnson pleaded. “It’s disgusting!!! Whoever started this should be ashamed.” Her frustration reflects a broader concern among celebrities and public figures who increasingly find themselves battling deepfake content and AI-driven hoaxes.
A Busy Season Ahead
The timing of the rumors is particularly ironic, as Johnson and Chmerkovskiy, 39, are currently in the midst of preparing for the 2026 DWTS live tour, set to kick off on January 22 in Akron, Ohio. The couple, who welcomed their son Rome in 2023, are bringing their 3-year-old along for the five-month journey, balancing parenthood with their demanding performance schedule.
This isn’t Johnson’s first time navigating the challenges of tour life as a mother. In 2024, she reflected on her experience balancing parenting with performance, writing on Instagram, “Since becoming a mother (truly the greatest role I’ve ever dreamed of) I’ve felt like I lost my identity as an artist. I’ve felt guilty and torn between being the best mom possible and feeling fulfilled as a performer.”
Her candor resonated with fans, particularly mothers who juggle multiple roles. “I’ve never been more exhausted waking up at 7 a.m. with Rome on the bus, being mommy until I need to start getting ready, finishing the show at 10:30 p.m., and going to bed on average around 1:30 a.m./2 a.m. every night,” she admitted. Yet, she concluded with an empowering message: “I’ve realized that you can do it all. Mama’s out there, don’t give up on your dreams!!”
From Stage to Screen: Johnson’s Recent Journey
Johnson’s return to the DWTS stage in 2025 marked a significant moment in her career. After her touring run in 2024, she joined Season 34 of the show, partnered with actor Corey Feldman. Though the pair was eliminated in the first week, Johnson remained a fixture throughout the season, delivering standout performances in group numbers and special routines.
One highlight was her Halloween-night routine with partner Jan Ravnik, set to music by Taylor Swift. “I absolutely adore Jan and I actually requested to do this piece with him at the beginning of the season because he is such an incredible partner,” Johnson told Us Weekly. “I’m really glad that we had that moment together.”
Meanwhile, Chmerkovskiy had a strong season, finishing in second place with social media star Alix Earle. The couple’s chemistry and high-energy performances made them fan favorites, further cementing Chmerkovskiy’s status as one of the show’s most accomplished pros.
Why This Matters: The Broader Impact of Celebrity Hoaxes
Johnson’s experience is not an isolated incident. In recent years, AI-generated hoaxes have targeted numerous celebrities, from fabricated health scares to false death announcements. The ease with which these stories spread—often amplified by algorithms that prioritize engagement over accuracy—poses a serious threat to public trust.
For fans, the emotional toll can be significant. Many who reached out to Johnson did so out of genuine concern, illustrating how deeply audiences connect with the stars they admire. When false information circulates, it doesn’t just mislead—it manipulates emotions, creating unnecessary anxiety and distress.
Johnson’s swift rebuttal serves as a reminder of the importance of media literacy. As AI technology becomes more sophisticated, the responsibility falls on both platforms and users to verify information before sharing it. Her call to action—”Whoever started this should be ashamed”—is a plea for accountability in an era where misinformation can go viral in minutes.
As Johnson and Chmerkovskiy prepare to take the stage once again, their focus remains on what they do best: delivering unforgettable performances. But this incident also highlights a new reality for public figures—one where battling false narratives is becoming as much a part of the job as dancing itself.
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