Former ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Pro, Sharna Burgess, Addresses ‘Toxicity’ Rumours Surrounding BTS
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Sharna-Burgess-120525-1054a6bfca8c4b29bd28aefb2299c739.jpg)
Sharna Burgess, a familiar face from “Dancing with the Stars” (DWTS), recently took to her Instagram to dispel rumours of behind-the-scenes ‘toxicity’ associated with the popular show. Burgess, who was part of DWTS from season 16 until season 30, engaged in a fan Q&A session where she tackled the question head-on. She responded to a fan’s inquiry about what ‘DWTS toxic means,’ stating, “I’ve never heard this but I’m gonna have to assume [it’s about] the fandom (some not all, obvi).” She further clarified that the show itself and the people involved are not the source of any toxicity, expressing her sadness at seeing those words used together. Burgess highlighted the dichotomy of online interactions, pointing out the extremes of love and hate that are prevalent in today’s digital landscape.
The seasoned pro elaborated on how the show’s immense popularity has paved the way for a wave of individuals seeking viral fame through their ‘hot takes’ and hurtful comments online. Despite this negativity, Burgess acknowledged the abundant love and adoration also present online. She noted that with greater admiration comes an inevitable increase in criticism, stating, “Where there are more people that love something there will also be more people that don’t.” Burgess expressed her dismay at the unfounded negativity, suggesting that many of these critics would eagerly seek a photo opportunity with any of the individuals they disparage online.
Having danced her way to prominence as Bobby Bones’ partner in season 27, Burgess faced her fair share of controversies surrounding Bones’ Mirrorball win. Bones, the podcast host, recently disclosed that he returned his Mirrorball trophy to ABC following the backlash over his victory. Criticism of his win was further exacerbated by former DWTS host, Tom Bergeron’s statements made to Parade. Bergeron, in an interview, had expressed his surprise over Bones’ win, indicating that it was a challenging moment for him. Bones, in response, shared his hurt over the comments, emphasising that the critique stung more due to its source rather than the content.
In a TikTok post on November 12, Bones candidly addressed the ongoing repercussions of his DWTS victory, highlighting the continuous stream of negativity directed at him. Despite assertions from respected figures like Tom Bergeron and Julianne Hough, who disapproved of his win, Bones has faced persistent scrutiny and backlash. The podcast host reflected on his unexpected journey on the show, revealing that his initial participation was not driven by a desire to compete on DWTS but rather by an obligation to promote another network programme. The lingering animosity and criticism directed at Bones encapsulate the challenging dynamics of reality TV fame and the enduring impact it can have on individuals, even years after their involvement in such shows.
Sharna Burgess’ decision to address the toxicity rumours surrounding DWTS sheds light on the complex interplay between fame, fan culture, and online discourse. Her candid remarks serve as a reminder of the dual nature of social media interactions, where both adulation and criticism can coexist in the digital realm. As former contestants like Burgess and Bones navigate the aftermath of their DWTS experiences, their resilience in the face of relentless scrutiny underscores the personal toll that public perception can exert. Despite the challenges posed by external scrutiny, Burgess and Bones’ willingness to confront these issues head-on reflects their commitment to honesty and authenticity in the public eye.
In conclusion, Sharna Burgess’ unequivocal dismissal of ‘toxicity’ allegations associated with DWTS provides a glimpse into the complexities of reality TV fame and the enduring impact of online commentary. As figures like Burgess and Bones continue to navigate the aftermath of their DWTS journeys, their experiences offer valuable insights into the demands of public visibility and the nuances of fan culture in the digital age. By addressing these challenges with candour and resilience, Burgess and Bones exemplify the resilience required to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of reality television.