Derek Hough: I overcame bullies

Derek Hough's neighbours "tormented" him.

The dancer has penned book Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion, in which he discusses being picked on.

At GLSEN's Respect Awards in Los Angeles on Friday the 29-year-old opened up even more about his past.

"I had some neighbours who… pretty much tormented my family," the Dancing with the Stars favourite said to ET Online.

"We ended up having to move because it got so bad. But for me, it was one of those things where I 'overcame'. It was more when I got older and I found dance, and it gave me a purpose. It gave me a focus and a motivation."

The LGBT student advocacy group honoured Derek at the event and presented him with the Inspiration Award. He gave a touching speech during the night and shared a horrifying part of his past with the audience.

"On one occasion, [the bullies] would tie my ankles up with a very rough rope, hang me from a tree upside down and spit on me and call me names and even held a gun to my head," he recalled.

And he reached out to others in his position, encouraging them to get the support they need.

"Let me tell you right now, you are not alone," he continued. "Seeking help requires incredible strength and incredible courage. The most powerful weapon you have against bullying is your voice."

Julia Roberts, Rose McGowan and Morena Baccarin also turned out for the event.