Derek Hough Defends Julianne Hough In Blackface Controversy: 'It Wasn't Her Brightest Moment'

Derek Hough Defends Sister In Blackface Controversy

Derek Hough has come to sister Julianne Hough's defense amid controversy surrounding her blackface Halloween costume, reasoning that it just "wasn't her brightest moment."

The "Dancing With the Stars" pro told E! News that Julianne is "mortified" over the backlash she has received for donning blackface when she dressed up as Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren from "Orange Is the New Black" for a party last week.

"She's so apologetic. She's so so sorry and I just hope that we can all forgive her and move on," he said. "She's my little baby sister and she's the sweetest thing ever. She is just beyond beside herself... Obviously, it wasn't her brightest moment in her life, but hopefully we can move on."

Apparently Derek wasn't around to advise Julianne against wearing the offensive get-up to mimic the incarcerated character, played by African-American actress Uzo Aduba.

For her part, the 25-year-old "Paradise" star did apologize and said it wasn't her intention to be "disrespectful or demeaning" to anyone.

Still, many people -- including Raising Hope" actress Martha Plimpton -- were shocked Julianne thought it was a good idea to begin with.

Can we use this moment additionally to also recognize that elevating morons to celebrity status does not help the world in any way? Ever?

— Martha Plimpton (@MarthaPlimpton) October 26, 2013

Not every pretty person with two legs needs to be famous. People who DO things, okay. It just makes nonsense like this inevitable.

— Martha Plimpton (@MarthaPlimpton) October 26, 2013

It's not hard. White people: Do not wear blackface. Life will still be okay if you don't ever, ever, jever, wear blackface. OKAY? GREAT.

— Martha Plimpton (@MarthaPlimpton) October 26, 2013

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