Alix Earle Responds to Cheryl Burke’s “DWTS” ‘Critiques’ After Stepmom Makes ‘Insensitive’ Body-Shaming Comment

Alix Earle Responds to Cheryl Burke Following Stepmom’s Body-Shaming Incident

In a recent turn of events within the realm of reality television shows, Alix Earle has come forward to address critiques made by Cheryl Burke, who was a guest judge on Dancing with the Stars. This engagement kicked off after Burke gave Earle a score of 9 during the Halloween episode that aired on October 28. During the episode, Earle performed a tango with her professional partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, to Billie Eilish’s “bury a friend”, which sparked an online dispute between Burke and Earle’s stepmom, Ashley Dupré.

Dupré, viewing the show with Earle’s younger siblings at home, shared a TikTok video reacting to the moment by telling Burke, “Oh, go take more Ozempic!” In response, Burke took to TikTok on October 30 to address the incident, emphasizing her intention to provide constructive criticism to the contestants on the show. She highlighted the importance of growth and improvement, stating, “It’s about progression. It’s not about perfection, and it’s definitely about each couple’s personal journey.”

Earle, in turn, expressed her appreciation for Burke’s feedback and critiques by commenting on the video, stating, “I really appreciated your critiques and feedback so helpful for me as someone in the competition 💕 thank you.” Burke, acknowledging the mixed reviews she received, including instances of aggressive behaviour and body shaming, reaffirmed her commitment to her role as a judge and the impact her words may have on viewers, particularly the younger generation.

In a clear stance against body shaming, Burke urged individuals to be mindful of the messages they convey, especially in front of children, as it reflects their values and attitudes towards kindness. She emphasised that her critiques were based on her expertise in ballroom dancing, aiming to provide valuable insights to the contestants for their development. Moreover, she urged for a respectful discourse and highlighted the responsibility individuals have when expressing their opinions publicly.

Following the backlash, Dupré issued an apology on TikTok for her insensitive comments towards Burke, attributing her remarks to the heat of the competition and acknowledging the importance of uplifting others. She expressed regret for not embodying her usual supportive behaviour and clarified that her actions did not align with her values of positivity and encouragement. This public apology aimed to rectify the situation and mend any misunderstandings that arose from the incident.

Burke’s experience on Dancing with the Stars sheds light on the underlying issues of public scrutiny and the need for respectful dialogue in the realm of televised competitions. The incident serves as a reminder of the impact of words and actions, especially in a public setting, and highlights the importance of promoting positivity and constructive feedback. As the controversy unfolds, it prompts reflection on the significance of fostering a culture of support and encouragement within competitive environments.