Derek and Julianne Hough Address Family Rift Amid Ongoing Professional Collaboration on Dancing with the Stars
LOS ANGELES — Professional dancers and siblings Derek and Julianne Hough, longtime fan favorites on Dancing with the Stars, are known for their impressive choreography and sibling dynamic. Though they no longer compete as dancers on the show, they remain a crucial part of its current lineup, with Derek serving as head judge and Julianne as cohost alongside Alfonso Ribeiro.
However, recent reports have indicated that the Utah-born dancers are working through some personal issues that have strained their once close-knit relationship. Interviews suggest there may be more behind the scenes than friendly sibling rivalry.
The rift between Derek and Julianne reportedly began following a terrifying health scare involving Derek’s wife, Hayley Erbert, in December 2023. During a performance, Erbert became disoriented and required emergency medical attention for a cranial hematoma, which led to two life-saving surgeries on her skull and brain.
While the incident brought the family together initially, in hindsight, Julianne admitted that Hayley’s health crisis exposed deeper personal issues between the siblings. Sources close to the family say the scare forced the Houghs to confront underlying tensions in their relationship that had been building over time.
Despite the ongoing challenges, the pair remains committed to their roles on Dancing with the Stars. Both have expressed a desire to rebuild their relationship while continuing to work together on the show.
“We love each other, and we’re family first,” Derek said in a recent interview. “We’re working through things, and we’ll come out stronger on the other side.”
Julianne echoed her brother’s sentiments, adding, “It’s been a tough year, but we’re focusing on healing and moving forward.”
As the new season of Dancing with the Stars unfolds, fans are hopeful that the talented duo will not only continue to shine professionally but also resolve their personal differences and rekindle the close bond they once shared.
