Julianne Hough's School Denies Abuse Charges

The London school that "Dancing with the Stars" beauty Julianne Hough attended as a child is striking out against allegations that abuse took place there.

The principal of Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, Anne Sheward, has released this statement:

"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.

"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.'”

Indeed, Hough says, “"While I was in London, I was abused, mentally, physically, everything," she says. She does mention that she was in London to attend the prestigious dance school… but she doesn’t point a finger specifically at the school.

Will Hough release a clarifying statement?

Regardless of where it happened, Hough’s admission of abuse was a sad revelation, and might be a good argument against the sexualization of children.

Hear that, “Dance Moms?" Just saying.