Yann-Alrick Mortreuil, one of the stars of the popular French dance competition show Danse avec les stars, has recently opened up about his harrowing battle with bullying and his struggles with degenerative hearing loss. During an emotional interview on March 13, 2025, Mortreuil revealed the personal challenges he has faced throughout his life due to his disability.
Diagnosed at the tender age of six, Mortreuil learned he had 40% hearing loss after his parents noticed his speech delay. "I had difficulty communicating, and by the time tests were done, it was established: I had significant hearing impairment," he recounted, emphasizing the difficulties he encountered growing up. Over the years, his hearing loss increased to 80%, which compounded his struggles.
Mortreuil’s condition often left him isolated, especially as he faced relentless bullying at school. "I understood about one word out of two, so children called me stupid because I couldn’t follow conversations or respond appropriately," he lamented. This bullying escalated to the point where he felt entirely alone and considered ending his life, saying, "The loneliness and harassment made me want to give up. I went through serious depression." His experiences highlight the unfortunate reality faced by many individuals living with disabilities, who often become targets of misunderstanding and ridicule.
Yet, it was through dance where he found salvation. Despite leaving school at 16 due to the bullying, Mortreuil clung to his passion for dance, using it as his escape. "Dance saved my life," he affirmed, expressing how this vibrant art form enabled him to channel his emotions productively. His dedication eventually led him to pursue teaching dance, but even then, he encountered roadblocks due to his hearing condition. "Even within the dance community, doors were shut to me because of my disability. It wasn’t until I obtained my disabled worker status and began teaching dance lessons, did I find my breakthrough," he explained.
On Danse avec les stars, where he currently partners with actress Charlotte de Turckheim, Mortreuil has become a beloved figure. His bright personality and undeniable talent make him stand out on the dance floor, but beneath his cheerful exterior lies the struggles he has worked hard to overcome. The supportive atmosphere of the show has provided Mortreuil with the opportunity to flourish, unlike past experiences where he faced rejection and hostility.
Mortreuil maintains strong hopes for individuals facing similar challenges. His story has sparked conversations around the importance of inclusivity and the need for sensitivity toward those living with disabilities. "I want my story to inspire others. It’s important to understand and accept our differences, rather than mock or bully people for them," he urged.
Now, as he continues to share his extraordinary talent with audiences, Mortreuil's past experiences have shaped his approach to life and hardship. He remains committed to raising awareness about hearing impairment and fighting against bullying, advocating fiercely for those who experience similar struggles.
Mortreuil does not shy away from discussing the role of hearing aids, which have significantly impacted his life. “Wearing hearing aids has allowed me to reconnect not only with the world around me but also to recover my social life,” he noted. His accessibility tools transformed his life, turning isolation and despair to connection and purpose.
Today, Mortreuil embodies resilience and determination. He shows how passion and perseverance can triumph against the odds, emphasizing to young people struggling with similar challenges to find avenues to express themselves. His focus on positivity and sharing his story contributes to reducing stigma and fostering empathy toward those with similar experiences.
With each performance on Danse avec les stars, Yann-Alrick Mortreuil not only captivates the audience with his remarkable dance skills but also serves as an emblem of hope—showing others how they, too, can rise above their challenges and shine brightly. His narrative reminds us all of the importance of compassion, acceptance, and triumphing over adversity.