Two days after “Wheel of Fortune” and “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest made headlines for his funny story about Derek Hough‘s appearance on “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune,” Hough has responded, calling it “1000% NOT true.”
Hough, a judge on “Dancing With The Stars,” competed on “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” with two of his co-stars, Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy and Bruno Tonioli. The episode premiered in late September 2025 and at one point, Hough was so excited, he leaped onto his contestant podium. Recalling the moment, Seacrest told USA Today on October 17 that’s allowed, but then claimed Hough’s giddiness went a little too far.
What Did Ryan Seacrest Say About Derek Hough?
GettySeacrest and Hough have known each other a long time, since Seacrest dated Hough’s sister, Julianne, from 2010 to 2013.
Speaking to USA Today, he said that Hough — who recently became the new host of “Extra” — got a bit too wild with the 2,400 pound wheel during his appearance on “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.”
“In the commercial break, (Hough) was jumping on the center of the wheel and having Bruno spin it, much like the top of a cake ornament,” Seacrest told the outlet. “We did say, ‘Please don’t do that. That would break it, and there’s only one of those wheels. If that breaks, we have a real problem.’”
Seacrest added, “We had to sort of say, ‘Stick to the ledge,’” and noted that Hough and his DWTS co-stars were all “very physical, and that makes for fun.”
Derek Hough Says Ryan Seacrest’s Claims Aren’t True
DisneySeacrest’s comments, whether serious or said in jest, went viral — with countless headlines about “Wheel of Fortune” needing to establish a new rule after Hough’s behind-the-scenes antics. But on October 22, Hough refuted Seacrest’s claims via social media.
He posted an excerpt from the USA Today article in his Instagram Stories and playfully circled Seacrest’s quote in red.
In large letters, Hough wrote, “Btw, this is 1000% NOT true 😂” and in smaller letters, he added, “I would never disrespect a set like that however Awesome that would’ve been to be ‘spun around it like a cake ornament’ haha”
Derek Hough Wound Up Winning His Episode of ‘Celebrity Wheel of Fortune
Whether true or false, Hough wound up winning the episode, earning $63,350 for his chosen charity, Feeding America. In a promo video for the episode, Hough expressed how thrilled he was to “be part of a legacy” by appearing on the iconic game show.
