She has characterized herself as a troubled child, compelled to don a “seductive facade” due to societal expectations.
Currently, she candidly discusses the abuse she suffered — all while establishing an impressive career that has garnered her three Primetime Emmy nominations for one of the globe’s most acclaimed series.
Clothes worn inside out
No child should ever have to face abuse, and it is utterly horrifying that it continues to occur worldwide.
The accomplished star we are referring to today was victimized by a neighbor at the tender age of 4 — a tragic offense that left an enduring mark.
However, she did not publicly address this until 2024.
“My initial experience occurred when I was around 4 years old,” she recounted during an episode of The Jamie Kern Lima Show. “By a neighbor in our cul-de-sac. I have never disclosed that in an interview before.”
She reminisced about the moment she informed her mother of the incident after returning home as a child with her clothes inside out. Her mother “freaked out,” prompting the family to decide to relocate. “I suppose my mom did what she could,” she confessed, struggling to hold back tears. “She simply wanted to move and escape. She did not wish to confront it. She did not want to discuss it, but she was determined to get us out.”
Emphasizing that she was not the only family member to experience similar trauma, she reflected, “That was an extremely confusing period because, growing up in the Mormon culture, everything must appear perfect. Everyone is expected to present a polished, ‘We-have-our-lives-together’ image. There was little accountability for what had transpired. Thus, it was very difficult to reconcile the fact that no one took action.”
Raised in a Mormon household
She was born in Orem, Utah, as the youngest of five siblings in a Mormon family.
Her parents, Bruce and Marianne, nurtured the family in a politically engaged atmosphere — her father held the position of chairman of the Utah Republican Party on two occasions and ran for Utah’s 2nd congressional district in 2023.
Dancing was another significant aspect of their family life.
Today, at 37 years old, she is recognized for her beauty and talent, having attained extraordinary success. However, her path to fame was fraught with challenges — she struggled with anxiety and depression during her childhood, endured severe bullying in high school, and has faced body-shaming in recent years.
“I don’t think many people would be aware of that about me because I present myself as sunshine, happiness, and positivity,” she once remarked.
Coming from a lineage of professional dancers, she naturally pursued a similar path, beginning competitive dance at the age of 9, with many recognizing her talent early on.
However, her life took a dramatic turn when she was 10. Her parents underwent a contentious divorce, and she was sent across the Atlantic to reside with family friends in London. This relocation was associated with her admission to the esteemed Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.
Left home at 10
Growing up in Europe compelled her to mature at a rapid pace. Each morning, she departed home at 6:45, navigating the subway independently to reach her school.
“I recall one of my initial days there when I disembarked at the incorrect train station,” she shared with People. “I stood there pondering, ‘Where am I?’
Being so young in the adult realm of ballroom dance presented significant challenges.
In 2013, she informed Cosmopolitan that the adults surrounding her occasionally exploited her vulnerability due to her being away from her parents.
“While I was in London, I experienced abuse—mentally, physically, everything.”
“They were never held accountable for their actions because we did not speak up,” she clarified. “Instead, we simply pivoted and moved on—which is beneficial, as it helps one escape a situation—but it also instilled in me the notion of just pivoting, pivoting, pivoting.”
In London, she endured a demanding schedule and relentless pressure to uphold a particular image.
“At 10 years old, I appeared to be 28, performing as a very sensual dancer,” she recounted to Cosmo. “I was a troubled young girl who had to don this seductive facade because it was my profession and my existence. Yet, my heart remained unchanged, and I was still that innocent little girl.
“Reflecting on those times, I find it quite sad that I lack photographs of myself with a sweet, unadorned, 10-year-old face,” she lamented.
Bullied in high school
Upon returning to the United States, she enrolled at both the Las Vegas Academy and Alta High School. However, her initial experience in America did not align with her expectations.
“I faced significant bullying in high school. Having just returned from London, I was the newcomer. People regarded me as if to say, ‘She believes she is superior,'” she recounted to Redbook in 2014. “And perhaps my inability to communicate with them made me appear that way? I am uncertain. A boy invited me to prom, but he ultimately abandoned me that day due to pressure from other girls.”
Despite enduring bullying and confronting her personal struggles, the talented dancer continued to excel, dominating competitions and achieving notable victories by the age of 15. Concurrently, she ventured into acting, making her film debut in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Her acting career took off with her first significant role in Burlesque, followed by leading performances as Ariel in Footloose, Sherrie in Rock of Ages, and Katie in Safe Haven. Additionally, she portrayed Sandy in Fox’s 2016 live rendition of Grease.
Nevertheless, most fans recognize her primarily from ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.
She joined the program in 2007 as a professional dancer, securing victories in two seasons alongside celebrity partners. After departing in 2009, she made a comeback in 2014 as a judge.
At this point, you may be beginning to deduce the identity of the individual in question…
Indeed — all of this remarkable talent is attributed to none other than Julianne Hough.
Dating Ryan Seacrest
Julianne, who has also taken on the role of a judge on America’s Got Talent, has revealed that dance served as the foundation that instilled confidence in her during times of uncertainty. Throughout the years, she has faced public scrutiny — ranging from high-profile relationships and breakups to a contentious Halloween costume and body-shaming remarks.
Nevertheless, she has demonstrated remarkable resilience, overcoming personal challenges to rise as the talented and inspiring figure she is today.
Julianne Hough’s relationship with Ryan Seacrest was one that captured significant media attention. The couple was together from 2010 to 2013, and she was open about her emotions during their relationship. “He is such an influential guy … and what if it didn’t work out? On our first date, I was so anxious that I ended up interviewing him with questions like, ‘Are you loyal?’ and ‘Are you close to your family?’” she recounted to InStyle in 2012.
“I’m very much in love, and it feels wonderful. I believe I’m more at ease in my own skin. You see the real me instead of just the makeup and hair.”
However, the breakup proved to be a challenging period for her.
“It was in 2013, and I had just exited a very public relationship,” she shared on Instagram Live (as reported by ET). “I was traveling on private jets and yachts and residing in a very affluent home. My lifestyle was quite different from my upbringing.”
Reconnecting with her parents
Following her separation from Seacrest, Hough entered into a relationship with NHL player Brooks Laich. The couple became engaged in 2015 and married two years later. Unfortunately, their marriage was short-lived, reportedly due to Hough’s desire for too much freedom to fully commit. However, the breakup had a positive aspect: it enabled Hough to reconnect with her parents.
“They showed up for me as my parents and I needed that,” she reflected on that period of her life. “I reclaimed my parental relationship with them and I got to be the kid and they got to take care of me. That was the most healing time for us.”
She further stated, “I was in a vulnerable place of like, ‘I don’t have anything to protect myself, I am completely raw, so maybe I can hear you more now, and even though I didn’t think that you were understanding at the time, maybe you are, and I can actually receive it now because my guard is down and my heart is open.’ And so that’s when we really went through more of our healing and communication as adults.”
During this time, Hough’s family became closer as they dealt with the repercussions of her past abuse. She recognized that her parents experienced a sense of guilt upon discovering what she had suffered during her teenage years. At that time, they were unsure how to react and often felt powerless, uncertain of how to provide support.
Ready for love again?
In 2025, Julianne Hough expressed her readiness for love — but on her own terms. The Dancing with the Stars host shared with E! News that she is more attracted to energy than to physical appearances.
“It’s all energy-based,” she clarified. “I don’t really have a type. It’s more about connection, and that’s it.”
Julianne Hough has been candid about her struggle with endometriosis, a painful condition that affects the tissue lining the uterus. She was diagnosed in 2008 and chose to go public to help eliminate the stigma associated with the disease.
“I discovered that I had endometriosis and that surgery was necessary that week,” she recounted to People in 2017.
Nevertheless, she had been experiencing symptoms long before receiving her diagnosis.
“At the age of 15, I exhibited symptoms of endometriosis, yet I had never heard of it and was unaware of what it entailed. I assumed that this was merely the type of pain one endures during menstruation,” she clarified. “For many years, I believed this was normal and never truly discussed it.”
The painful journey to diagnosis
Julianne Hough has also addressed how endometriosis can impact fertility, a subject she explored with her then-husband, Brooks Laich.
“We never actually attempted to conceive. It was more of a precautionary step: Let’s ensure we are prepared for the future by freezing eggs,” she shared with Women’s Health.
In the same discussion, she revealed that her symptoms had lessened, attributing this improvement to “the love and kindness I’m extending to my body.” She further stated, “I believe there’s stress, shame, guilt, and the suppression of female energy linked to endometriosis, so addressing those issues has significantly aided my situation.”
And what about that controversial Halloween costume Julianne Hough donned in 2013? She arrived at a party dressed as Crazy Eyes from Orange Is the New Black, which led to immediate backlash. Hough promptly took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her apologies after her blackface Halloween costume faced criticism.
“I am a great admirer of the show ‘Orange is the New Black,’ actress Uzo Aduba, and the character she has brought to life,” she wrote. “It was never my intention to be disrespectful or demeaning to anyone. I understand that my costume caused hurt and offense, and I sincerely apologize.”
Uzo Aduba, who played Crazy Eyes on the series, commented on Hough’s actions. “I think it was perhaps an unfortunate incident, but she has apologized, and I believe we can all move forward,” she told E! News.
Did you know about Julianne Hough’s past and everything she’s been through? 😳 I honestly didn’t realize all of it myself! Share this article if you also think Julianne is truly inspiring 💖