In a new interview with Cosmopolitan magazine, Julianne Hough alleges she was abused while training as a young dancer overseas.
"While I was in London, I was abused, mentally, physically, everything," Julianne revealed. When asked to elaborate, she said, "I'm a very forgiving person, and I don't want to hurt anybody. What's past is past."
The Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts -- the school that Julianne trained at and that was mentioned in Cosmo -- says no abuse took place there.
In an statement to toofab, Principal Anne Sheward says, "Julianne was an exceptionally popular and talented pupil at the Academy and we totally refute any allegations that she was subject to abuse during her time with us."
Sheward adds:
"It is no secret that during her studies [Julianne] also spent a considerable amount of time at extra-curricular training and successfully competing the ballroom and Latin dance world -- which we had nothing to do with. We feel this article has been extremely badly worded and if re-read, you will see that although it mentions our name, it does not say that any abuse took place here. I feel sure Julianne would herself be horrified to learn that she had caused her old school any embarrassment or harmed its good name. As she herself said in an article in The Stage Newspaper of 19th June 2008: 'I absolutely loved Italia Conti and can't say a bad word about the place'. 'It was a safe place.'"
toofab reached out to Julianne to clarify her comments, but has yet to receive a response from her.
