Julianne Hough Didn't Mean to Offend Mark Ballas on 'DWTS,' 'It's About Constructive Criticism' (VIDEO)
Julianne Hough recently clarified controversial comments she made about "Dancing With the Stars" dance pro, Mark Ballas, insisting that she did not mean to offend him.
On Oct. 7 the "Footloose" star, 25, made an appearance on the popular ABC dance competition show as a guest judge and her comments on Ballas' foxtrot routine with singer Christina Milian's sparked controversy. While reports claimed Ballas, a childhood friend of Hough's, was furious over her critique, the two-time "DWTS" champion stood by her comments.
"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 magazine at a press event for her new film "Paradise."
"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," she continued. "It's about constructive criticism so that they can get better for next week and that was not a direct attack to anybody."
Hough, who reportedly trained with Ballas and his famous parents Shirley and Corky as a child, performed on "DWTS" for five seasons before leaving after season 8. Her recent comments about Ballas, 27, instantly raised eyebrows amongst the crowd.
"There were moments where I felt like choreography-wise, I felt like it was two people dancing side-by-side rather than together," Hough said during her critique.
"So I really want to see [Milian] shine. I've danced with Mark. You have to stand in front to make sure you're seen," she added.
Ballas responded by describing Hough's comments as "hypocritical" which fueled reports claiming he was "furious."
"The one comment for me that was a little funny is that I make it all about me... all the critiques were at me, and not at [Milian]. So I thought that was a little hypocritical comment," Ballas said
"I think [Hough] was very insightful tonight though and gave great tips on lines and how to express. We've had a lot of guest judges and I thought out of all of them she was one of the best," he continued. "So that part, I love. I was the one who kind of got the heat, but you know what, that's OK! It's fine."
The longtime friends brushed off feud reports by going out to dinner after the show. Hough insisted they are not feuding.
"I don't know why people are making such a big deal about it," she said.
