Julianne Hough continues to face the backlash following wearing blackface to a Halloween party this past weekend, but her supporters are rallying behind her nonetheless.
The former Dancing with the Stars professional dancer turned actress dressed as an African American character from the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black and quickly became a controversial topic of discussion.
DWTS’ Val Chmerkovskiy thinks it is “absurd” that anyone would judge Hough’s character after the scandal, saying, "I know Julianne personally and none of the critique that she is getting at all relates to her as a person, period.”
He also told CNN, "Whether it was a smart decision is a different conversation. But the intention, and going deep into the conversation of judging her character, of what she may or may not think behind the scenes -- that is absurd."
He also called her “kind and graceful,” noting it was “just a stupid mistake.”
Comedian Bill Engvall, who is currently a contestant on the hit ABC show, also weighed in. He said Hough doesn’t have "a mean bone in her body” and made“an innocent mistake.”
Of course, Hough’s older brother Derek commented on the controversy and said his sister is “mortified” by the scandal.
She also apologized herself, tweeting “I realize my costume hurt and offended people and I truly apologize.”
image: ABC