Derek Hough Suspended Amid Bribery Allegations on Dancing with the Stars
LOS ANGELES — In a shocking development, Dancing with the Stars judge Derek Hough has been suspended indefinitely by ABC following serious bribery allegations, the network confirmed on Monday. The investigation centers on claims that Hough accepted monetary compensation or gifts in exchange for providing favorable scores to certain contestants during the popular reality competition show.
Sources close to the situation suggest that the alleged bribery occurred over several seasons, with some representatives of contestants reportedly making backdoor arrangements to influence Hough’s scoring decisions. These allegations have rocked the DWTS community, as Hough has been a key figure on the show since joining in 2007. His suspension raises questions about the show’s integrity and fairness moving forward.
ABC and its parent company, Disney, issued a statement confirming the suspension. The statement reads, “We take all allegations of misconduct seriously and are fully committed to maintaining the fairness and integrity of Dancing with the Stars. Derek Hough has been suspended from his duties as a judge while we conduct a thorough investigation.”
At this time, Hough has yet to release a public statement. His representatives have not responded to requests for comment. The suspension comes ahead of the upcoming season of DWTS, which will now proceed without one of its most popular judges.
The bribery allegations have already started to generate significant buzz on social media, with fans and former contestants expressing their shock and disappointment. Several fans have taken to Twitter to voice their support for a thorough investigation, while others have demanded Hough’s permanent removal if the claims are substantiated.
Hough, who is known for his energetic choreography and on-screen charisma, has been a staple of DWTS for nearly two decades, earning multiple Emmy Awards for his work. His involvement in the controversy could lead to more serious legal consequences if the allegations are confirmed.
As the investigation unfolds, many are left wondering about the future of DWTS and whether the show can regain public trust after such a scandal.
