Derek Hough is incredibly emotional as he reflects on childhood bullying and the impact it had on his life. The professional dancer and current “Dancing with the Stars” Season 34 judge shared a vulnerable message detailing his personal story and encouraging kindness.
Derek Hough Encourages Kindness
Hough has discussed bullying before, but many fans might not have realized the full extent of what he experienced. The reality is quite shocking! He posted on Instagram on Monday, October 13, and discussed the importance of kindness. “Recently, I had a heartfelt conversation at a children’s hospital event where we were raising money for mental health programs,” he wrote. “We talked a lot about bullying, not just the kind I faced growing up, but the kind that happens online now, the kind that so many teens and adults deal with every day.”
Hough ended his message with a call to others to think about how they want the world to be. “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. Let’s make that a conversation worth having,” he wrote.
It is a powerful message and one that deserves to be highlighted. Fans have flooded the comment section to praise Hough for his words. His friends, family, and DWTS pros have also shown their support by leaving heartfelt comments.
Fans Show Their Love
Among the reactions is one from DWTS Season 34 pro dancer and Hough’s bestie, Mark Ballas. “Love you D you are a (diamond),” he wrote. Ballas’ wife, BC Jean, also reacted. “Well said D! Thank you for these words,” she wrote.
Derek’s sister, Julianne Hough, also commented on the post. “Yes Derek – thank you for speaking up and being a force for good and spreading love and light,” she wrote, followed by a white heart emoji.
Fan reactions include, “As a therapist who works w/teens, I can’t applaud this enough. Thank you for speaking on it,” “I was bullied growing up as well, and now I’m becoming a teacher and educational psychologist so I can help be the change and spread kindness,” and “Beautiful message, Derek! And You’re going to be an amazing Dad!”
Hough’s decision to share his personal story helps to spread awareness of the impacts of bullying, and encourages everyone to be better and more vigilant.
What an awesome yoing man this is!!!
I TOTALLY AGREE. HE IS TRULY A VERY SPECIAL PERSON AND HAS BEEN EVER SINCE HE CAME TO THE SHOW. TRULY GOD SENT. HIS FEELINGS AND BEING SO MUCH IN LOVE WITH HIS WIFE AND KINDNESS ON THE SHOW. SMOOTHS IT OVER ON HELPING THE GUEST DANCERS TO BE AND DO BETTER AND ALSO APPRAISES THEM FOR AS HARD AS THEY TRY WEATHER THEY ARE BLESSED WITH BEING A DANCER OR NOT. AND SHOWING HIS TRUE FEELINGS GOOD OR FOR TRYING. CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING AN EXPECTANT NEW DAD TO BE. WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND YOUR SOFT AND LOVING HEART. YOUR WIFE IS SO SPECIAL ALSO. WHAT A PERFECT CHOICE YOU MADE. BOTH OF YOU. GOD BLESS YOU, BOTH OF YOUR FAMILY’S AND LOVE FOR EACH OTHER.