Julianne Hough, a three-time Emmy nominee and star of Dancing with the Stars, has opened up about a painful childhood marked by abuse, bullying, and emotional trauma.
She revealed that she was first abused at age 4 by a neighbor in Utah, but only publicly shared the experience in 2024. She later endured further abuse while training in London as a child dancer, where she also faced extreme pressure to appear “sexy” on stage despite being just a child. Her parents eventually moved her away, but the experiences left lasting emotional scars.
Raised in a Mormon household in Utah, Hough grew up in a dance-focused family and began competing at a young age. After her parents divorced when she was 10, she moved to London to study performing arts, often traveling alone and facing a harsh, adult environment.
She later returned to the U.S., where she was bullied in high school but continued excelling in dance and acting. Her career took off with major roles in films like Burlesque, Footloose, and Rock of Ages, and she became a household name through Dancing with the Stars.
Despite her success, she has openly struggled with anxiety, depression, body image issues, and the long-term impact of childhood trauma. She has also spoken about her personal life, including high-profile relationships and her battle with endometriosis.
Today, Hough is recognized not only for her career achievements but also for her honesty about the challenges behind her success and her journey toward healing.