Rumer Willis reveals she was bullied because of her looks

LOS ANGELES, April 7 (UPI) -- Rumer Willis was bullied as a teenager because of her looks.

The 26-year-old actress recalled the painful memories on Monday's episode of Dancing with the Stars. Willis described her younger self as "super awkward," and admitted it took time to build self-confidence and acceptance.

"I don't think I really felt comfortable in my body or with how I looked and people were nasty," she related. "For years I thought, 'Maybe I can get plastic surgery. If I change my face or get really skinny, that will be it, that will be the answer.' And it's not."

Willis went on to perform an emotional waltz to "Turning Tables" by Adele with partner Val Chmerkovskiy. The actress subsequently told ABC News she shared her story because she doesn't want others experiencing bullying to feel alone.

"I think it's a really important message," she opined. "Social media is such a breeding ground, unfortunately, for negativity, and I wish if I can have any impact of making that more of a place of positivity and support for people than that would be my biggest wish."

Willis and Chmerkovskiy earned a 35 with their performance, the third-highest scoring dance of the evening. The pair have excelled in competition, earning a 32 with a foxtrot in week one, a 32 with a cha-cha in week two and a 33 with a salsa in week three.