'Dancing With the Stars' Julianne Hough's Critique of Mark Ballas 'Not a Direct Attack,' Guest Judge Says [VIDEO]
Dancing With the Stars guest judge Julianne Hough told reporters this week that she did not mean to attack current dancer Mark Ballas on Monday night's show.
Hough filled in for judge Len Goodman on Monday's show and criticized Ballas' dance with celebrity partner Christina Milian. Hough told Milian that she had danced with Ballas before and said she had to stand in front more in order to be seen, indicating that Ballas' choreography was more focused on showing himself off.
Ballas was allegedly "furious" with Hough's comments but he did not voice his anger during the live show. As a response, Hough told Us Weekly this week that she did not mean for her comments to be seen as an attack on Ballas.
"I loved being on the show again and being a judge because I feel like that's where it all started for me and it's where I'm really comfortable being able to talk and critique," Hough told Us Weekly. "I judge the same way I teach so it all comes from love. It's not to diss anybody. It's not to hurt anybody's feelings. It's about constructive criticism so that they can get better for next week and that was not a direct attack to anybody."
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Despite Ballas being reportedly upset with Hough's comments, she revealed that they actually went out for dinner on Monday night.
"I don't know why people are making such a big deal about it," she added, referring to the supposed feud.
Hough is a two-time champion of Dancing With the Stars, winning the Mirrorball Trophy with celebrity partners Apolo Anton Ohno and Hélio Castroneves in seasons 4 and 5, respectively. Hough left the show after season 8 to pursue her music and acting career.
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Dancing With the Stars airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
