Derek Hough Recalls Childhood Bullies Holding a Gun to His Head: ‘I Would Have Night Terrors’

Derek Hough, the acclaimed judge from *Dancing with the Stars*, has bravely shared his harrowing experiences with bullying during his childhood. In a recent episode of *The Bossticks* podcast, the 41-year-old dancer recounted the distressing incidents he endured, which had a profound impact on his early years. Hough’s passion for dance, while a source of joy for him, became an element of torment in his life.

Reflecting on his youth spent in Salt Lake City, Hough described a particularly traumatic neighbourly harassment. He recounted being subjected to extreme bullying, stating, “they would hang me up in a tree by my ankles and put a gun to my head and spit on me,” illustrating the severity of the abuse he faced. He admitted that the fear stemming from these experiences made his childhood unbearable, leading to night terrors and even bedwetting.

Opening up about his anxieties, Hough revealed, “I was a scared kid, I was a terrified kid.” He spoke of his constant state of fear, feeling apprehensive about the dark and other everyday occurrences, which only served to heighten his vulnerability among his peers. The pressure of navigating childhood while dealing with such torment left him feeling constantly on edge.

In addition to the bullying at home, Hough struggled to integrate with other children at school. He described his awkwardness, saying, “I was always on the outside just trying to fit in.” His dedication to dance, far from being embraced, only alienated him further. As he recounted, “Being a dancer didn’t help. I would get the crap beaten out of me.”

Hough shared a particularly striking story of an incident involving a schoolmate. After a boy punched him in the face, Hough retaliated, resulting in his own expulsion from the school. This cycle of violence reflected not only the harsh realities he faced but also the struggles many young people encounter when trying to defend themselves in an environment absent of support.

Another painful memory he recalled involved being assaulted by a group of boys who attacked him because one of their peers had developed a crush on him. Such incidents underscore the challenges of navigating childhood relationships while simultaneously battling the effects of bullying.

It wasn’t until he moved to London at the age of 12 that Hough began to feel a sense of liberation. Living and training with professional dancers offered him the opportunity to escape the torment he had experienced. “It was like I had clarity, and clarity is power,” he said, marking a turning point in his journey.

At a recent Emmy consideration panel, Hough expressed gratitude for the platform provided by *Dancing with the Stars*. He believes the show has greatly influenced societal views on dancers, transforming them into recognised “artistic athletes.” He reflected on the significant growth in how dance is perceived over the past two decades, acknowledging that it has become a celebrated art form rather than an oddity.

Hough’s journey serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the resilience required to overcome childhood trauma. He expressed that the compliments he receives for his performances resonate deeply within him, as they represent a stark contrast to the “little boy that grew up when dancing wasn’t cool.”

In sharing his experiences, Derek Hough has opened a dialogue about the long-lasting impact of bullying, the importance of finding one’s identity, and the transformative power of art. His story not only sheds light on the struggles faced by many young dancers but also serves as a beacon of hope for those currently finding their way through similar challenges.