TW: This article discusses bullying.
Dancing with the Stars judge Derek Hough is a legend. He started on DWTS as a pro. And he took home six Mirrorball trophies, making him the most winning pro on the series.
Plus, Derek turned in many iconic performances in the DWTS ballroom. He also won four Emmy Awards for his choreography, and I believe that he has more in his future. Besides his career ambitions, Derek is also deeply in love with his wife, dancer Hayley Erbert.
Recently, Derek discussed bullying and shared horrific incidents from his past.
Dancing with the Stars judge Derek Hough recalled his terrifying experiences being bullied
Shortly after Derek and Hayley tied the knot, Hayley suffered a life-threatening medical issue in December 2023. According to Derek, she suffered a “cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel,” and required emergency surgery. Thankfully, she made a full recovery, and now the couple is expecting their first child.
As Derek enters this new season of his life as a father, he shared an emotional Instagram video. “Just wanted to come on here and share a few thoughts that have been on my heart lately,” he began. He explained that he had spoken at a children’s hospital event.
“We had this really meaningful conversation about bullying,” Derek said. Then Derek revealed that he was “severely bullied as a kid myself. I experienced some pretty extreme stuff … being hung by a tree by my feet, being spat on, beaten up, a gun held to my head, even hogtied in a field for hours.” My heart breaks for what Derek went through.
He explained how bullying has now moved into the cyber world. “Before we post or comment, let’s pause and think: are we building each other up or tearing each other down?” Derek remarked. “As I step into fatherhood, I’m thinking about the world we’re shaping for our kids and how we can all be a little more mindful of the voices we choose to amplify.”
Dancing with the Stars airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC and Disney+. It will stream on Hulu the next day.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF DEREK SHARING HIS PAST EXPERIENCES? IS IT ADMIRABLE HOW HE IS SPEAKING OUT?
