‘DWTS’ Star Cheryl Burke Slams Alix Earle’s Stepmom Over Body-Shaming Remarks

When Dancing with the Stars guest judge Cheryl Burke handed influencer Alix Earle a score of 9 during the show’s Halloween Night episode on October 28, she likely didn’t expect the backlash that would follow—not from fans, and certainly not from Earle’s family.

Earle’s stepmother, Ashley Dupré, who was watching the performance from home with Earle’s younger siblings, took to TikTok shortly after the episode aired, mocking Burke’s appearance and muttering, “Oh, go take more Ozempic!” She added, “She looks weird.

Doesn’t even look like her.” The remark instantly stirred conversation online, not only for its tone but also for being made in front of children who could be heard asking what Dupré meant.

Cheryl’s Calm but Firm Response

Burke, a seasoned professional dancer and two-time Mirrorball Trophy winner, wasn’t about to let the comment slide.

In a calm but pointed video posted to Instagram on October 30, she addressed the controversy directly, emphasizing that her role on the show has always been rooted in experience, not hostility.

“My goal was just to be able to give any helpful notes if needed, because that’s all I can really do,” Burke explained. “Dancing with the Stars is about growth. It’s about progression. It’s not about perfection, and it’s definitely about each couple’s personal journey. How can anyone grow or improve if they feel they don’t get enough constructive criticism?”

She went on to acknowledge that while differing opinions on her judging are expected, crossing into personal attacks—especially body-shaming—is unacceptable. “I have seen so many mixed reviews, which is totally fine,” Burke said. “But what’s not okay is I’ve also seen so many aggressive ones and a lot of body-shaming ones. For the people who think body shaming is okay, especially in front of your children, that sends a powerful message about what you value, and clearly, it’s not kindness.”

Standing by Her Craft and Message

Burke also stood firmly by her judging decision, reminding viewers that her feedback came from nearly two decades of ballroom expertise. “I was simply doing my job as a judge, giving feedback based on almost 20 years of my life,” she stated. “If my score was different from the other judges, it was by one point. You don’t have to agree with my critique, but you do have to recognize the influence your words have on the next generation watching you. If that’s the example you choose to set, then please, I beg of you, leave my name out of it.”

The dancer and television personality has faced public scrutiny before, particularly regarding her appearance. Earlier this year, Burke addressed online speculation that she had used Ozempic or other GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, telling PEOPLE, “These are all assumptions that people have thrown at me, as far as Ozempic, my face… I’ve always had criticism, but what’s shocking is that this is worse than when I gained weight. These are really mean and cruel messages.”

Through it all, Burke’s message remains steady—kindness matters, and words carry weight. Her response serves as a reminder that behind every televised score and celebrity face is a real person navigating both public expectation and private judgment.

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