People still talk about it. You know the one—the 2019 Women’s Health cover where Julianne Hough stripped down completely for their "Naked Strength" issue. It wasn't just about the photos, though the internet certainly focused on that. It was about a massive shift in how she saw herself.
Julianne didn't just wake up one day and decide to pose without clothes. For years, she dealt with serious body image issues. She’s been open about being body-shamed on movie sets, once being told she was "fat" every single day while she was actually at her thinnest. That kind of talk messes with your head. By the time that cover shoot rolled around, she was 31 and finally ready to stop hiding.
Why Julianne Hough Naked Became a Cultural Moment
Honestly, the photos were just the tip of the iceberg. The real shocker for most fans was the interview inside. This was the moment Julianne publicly shared that she isn't straight. She told her then-husband, Brooks Laich, "You know I’m not straight, right?"
His reaction? A bit surprised, naturally. But she followed it up by saying, "I choose to be with you."
That "Naked Strength" theme wasn't just a marketing gimmick. It represented her stripping away the layers of who she thought she should be—the perfect Mormon-raised ballroom dancer—and showing who she actually was. She talked about "de-layering" herself. It’s pretty heavy stuff for a fitness magazine.
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The Backstory of Body Shaming
It's wild to think someone like Julianne Hough, a professional athlete basically, could be told she’s out of shape. But it happened. During one film project, she was constantly critiqued on her weight. It triggered a cycle of self-consciousness that lasted for years.
She used to look at photos of herself and immediately point out every flaw. Brooks Laich actually helped her break that habit. He’d see her look at a picture and put it down instantly, and he’d challenge her to find just one positive thing instead.
Kinergy and the Connection to Nudity
If you follow Julianne now, you know she’s all about Kinergy. It’s this high-sensory, interpretive dance method she created. It sounds a bit "woo-woo" to some, but for her, it was the bridge to feeling comfortable in her own skin.
She describes it as connecting to the "woman inside" rather than the "little girl" who needed protection. When she posed for that magazine, she was using those same principles. It was about being "raw, open, and exposed."
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Dealing With the Trolls and Public Perception
Not everyone was a fan. When you search for Julianne Hough naked, you find a mix of body-positive advocates and, well, internet trolls. Just recently in late 2025, she had to clap back at people criticizing her for posting a bikini video. They were questioning if she was "okay" or "healthy."
She didn't hold back. She pointed out that she’s never been healthier. She’s dealt with endometriosis, she’s frozen her eggs, and she’s processed a lot of grief. Her point was simple: her body is her business, and if she wants to dance in a bikini or pose for a nude cover to celebrate her strength, she’s going to do it.
- The 2010 Music Video Controversy: Early in her career, her "Is That So Wrong" video was rumored to be "banned" for being too provocative. It turns out it was mostly a contract dispute between labels, but the "too much skin" narrative followed her anyway.
- The "Inappropriate" Dodgers Photo: Even recently, a photo of her playfully posing with Dodgers players sparked a "is this okay?" debate on social media. People are always ready to police her choices.
- The Sexuality Reveal: That 2019 interview remains one of the most cited celebrity coming-out stories because of how raw it was regarding her marriage at the time.
What We Can Learn From Her Journey
Julianne’s approach to her body isn't about vanity. It’s about autonomy. She’s spent her life being judged on her physical appearance—first by judges on Dancing With the Stars, then by movie producers, and now by everyone on Instagram.
Choosing to pose naked was her way of taking the power back. It was a statement that she is no longer afraid of being seen.
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Actionable Takeaways for Body Confidence
If you're looking to channel some of that "Naked Strength" in your own life, here’s what Julianne basically suggests through her various interviews:
- Stop the Photo Critique: Next time you see a photo of yourself you hate, force yourself to name one thing you like. Just one.
- Move for Yourself: Find a way to move your body—whether it’s Kinergy-style dancing or just walking—that isn't about burning calories, but about feeling the movement.
- Own Your Identity: Be unapologetic about who you are. Julianne’s "not straight" revelation didn't ruin her life; it made her feel "full" and "connected."
- Ignore the "Concern Trolls": People often mask judgment as concern. If you know you're healthy and happy, their "Are you okay?" comments don't matter.
Julianne Hough has moved past the need for external validation. Whether she’s co-hosting DWTS or posting a goofy video from a spa day, she’s doing it on her own terms. The nudity was just a catalyst for a much deeper conversation about authenticity.
To really apply this, start by identifying one area of your life where you're "performing" for others. Strip that performance away. You don't have to literally take your clothes off to be exposed and honest; you just have to stop hiding the parts of yourself that you're afraid people won't like. That is where the real strength lives.