Former America’s Got Talent judge, Julianne Hough denies reports that crew members criticized her look. Hough may be looking to distance herself from the controversy raised by the firing of her fellow judge, Gabrielle Union.

The alleged comments about Hough’s hair and makeup were made by America’s Got Talent staffers and were said to have negatively impacted her morale. In 2016, she spoke about the frustrations she suffered from being criticized for her looks, as well as the eating disorder, anxiety, and depression she endured as a professional ballroom dancer. Hough said she learned to mask her sadness and hardship in order to achieve the success that she eventually enjoyed as a performer and later a judge on Dancing With the Stars. From there, she launched a film career, acting in movies like the Footloose reboot and Dirty Grandpa. She even became a recording artist, releasing several singles and completing two studio albums. Hough’s fan base is wholesome middle America. She doesn’t play to the same crowd that Union does.

That’s why it’s no surprise that Hough’s official response to the firing controversy was so gracious. The dancer said recently in a statement to Variety, “I had a wonderful time on America’s Got Talent. I loved working with the cast, crew, and producers.” The former judge continued,  “I am happy to continue my working relationship with NBC. … I’m looking forward to what the future holds.” Hough’s reluctance to come clean about any discord behind the scenes at America’s Got Talent may be due to her other projects at NBC. She has an appearance on the upcoming Christmas in Rockefeller Center, as well as a TV special costarring her brother Derek Hough titled Holidays With the Houghs. With the superstar siblings both on hit NBC shows (he’s a judge on World of Dance), rocking the boat right now could be detrimental to not only her career but his as well.

Gabrielle Union is a champion of racial equality and women’s rights. Her activism is just as much a part of her personal and professional brand as her acting and presenting. However, Julianne Hough, as a celebrity, seems less likely to make waves. Her brand hearkens more to the era when actors and presenters accepted what was given rather than make waves and incite change. While it’s commendable that Hough feels comfortable speaking out about her sexuality, that is less likely to be the for catalyst improvements across Hollywood.

Union, on the other hand, has openly expressed concern about some of the racist behaviors she’s encountered on the show, in hopes that she can bring about the change she wants to see in the world. Everyone has to live in a way that is comfortable for them, so if Hough wishes to stay mum about what really happened - that’s her business. However, it’s pretty clear that nobody gets fired from a hit show after one season unless they’re either incredibly bad at their job, or the environment in which they were working is toxic and unproductive - so with many talents in her arsenal, it’s likely the latter at play.

Next: Gabrielle Union Thanks Fans for Support Amid America’s Got Talent Departure

America’s Got Talent premieres Monday, January 6th at 8pm EST on NBC.

Source: Variety