Derek Hough on DWTS was referring to the negativity that had been prevalent throughout the season, particularly noting the overall negative atmosphere, which seemed to include social media reactions and internal tensions. This negativity reportedly affected the contestants and dance partners, causing discomfort and distractions. Some fans and viewers were also puzzled by his comment about the negativity on a particular night of the show, speculating it could relate to incidents like a contestant's departure amidst claims of bullying and the stressful environment it caused for those involved. His remarks seemed to call attention to the challenging emotional climate surrounding the competition rather than targeting any specific event or person alone.

Additionally, Derek's tough critique style on DWTS has been described as coming from a place of respect for the contestants, aimed at helping them improve, though some viewers found his judging harsh or inconsistent. His role as head judge has been controversial at times, with critiques about his scoring and approach, but the negativity he mentioned appears broader than just judging style, encompassing the season's overall tone and social dynamics.