Derek Hough is bringing his entire self to the dance floor.
The *Dancing With the Stars* judge shared that he was bullied severely when he was younger, and opened up about the lasting impact it had on him.
In an Instagram video posted on October 13th, Derek shared that he was severely bullied as a child. He described incidents including being hung upside down from a tree, spat on, beaten, and even threatened with a gun, recalling one instance where he was tied up in a field for hours.
The 40-year-old described the experience as an entirely new level of both physical and emotional pain.
The professional dancer, whose wife Hayley Erbert is expecting their first child, shared that both his life experiences and today’s technology are motivating him to create a brighter future for his child.
He said it made him reflect on the kind of world we’re creating together. He believes we’ve been subtly taught—perhaps without even realizing it—that the quickest way to get attention is to focus on negativity, whether by criticizing others or simply being the most vocal critic.
He suggested everyone take a moment to reflect. While it’s important to share our thoughts and ideas – everyone has something valuable to contribute – we should also consider whether our words are making a positive impact or simply adding to the confusion.
Derek, who hinted on the October 14th episode of Dancing With the Stars that he and Hayley are expecting a daughter, spoke about the joys of becoming a father again and encouraged everyone to set a good example for others.
Now that I’m becoming a father, I’m making a promise to think carefully about what I share online, and I encourage you to do the same. I know there’s often negativity, but let’s all try to pause for a moment before posting or commenting and ask ourselves, ‘Is what I’m about to say helpful or positive?’
Derek received a lot of positive feedback for being open and honest, and his sister, Julianne Hough, publicly praised him, saying she appreciated him speaking out and being a positive influence.
Read on to look back at Derek and Hayley’s romantic road to parenthood.
Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert first met in 2014 while performing together on a tour with Derek and his sister, Julianne Hough. A producer from *Dancing With the Stars* was impressed with Hayley and invited her to audition for the show’s dance troupe. She was hired the following year, and she and Derek began dating in 2015, according to the *Hutchinson News*.
They started attending events together, including the premiere of the Netflix documentary *I Am Not Your Guru* featuring Tony Robbins in 2016.
The duo get glammed up for a star-studded night out.
The dancers first appeared as a couple on the red carpet at a 2017 celebration hosted by the Television Academy’s Choreography Peer Group at the Saban Media Center in North Hollywood, California.
Hayley accompanied Derek to the Creative Arts Emmys, where he was up for an award for his choreography on Dancing With the Stars.
The two attend the star-studded Casamigos Halloween Party.
Hayley will be helping Derek host the annual Christmas tree lighting at The Americana at Brand mall in Glendale, California.
The two attend the Hollywood premiere of Solo: A Star Wars Story.
The couple steps out at HBO’s post-Emmys celebration.
Stars didn’t hold back their excitement while attending the premiere of Netflix’s *El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie*.
The two pose for pics at the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Oscar viewing party.
Feeling festive, they dance on the special to ring in the Christmas season.
The two are all smiles at the premiere in Los Angeles.
Derek was recognized with an Outstanding Choreography Emmy at the Creative Arts Emmys for his work on Dancing with the Stars.
The two dance as they arrive at the 2022 Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscars viewing party.
They look top tier on the red carpet.
Hayley flashes her engagement ring at the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
The two get cozy at the launch of the Disney-Pixar film.
The couple honeymoon in Italy following their Aug. 26, 2023 wedding in California.
Hayley had emergency brain surgery after a blood vessel burst, and Derek was with her throughout it all. Over a week later, he shared on Instagram that it was a terrifying and uncertain time, going from performing on stage to facing a sudden crisis. He described her recovery as miraculous.
Hayley and Derek were able to restart their *Symphony of Dance* tour in April 2024 after receiving the all-clear from doctors. In October, Hayley made a heartwarming return to the dance floor, performing an emotional routine with her husband to Benson Boone’s song, “Beautiful Things.”
The couple is thrilled to announce they are expecting their first child. They shared the news on Instagram with a video of the baby’s sonogram, and Hayley wrote, “We can’t believe something so small could bring us so much joy.”
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2025-10-15 21:47