Cheryl Burke Addresses “Body-Shaming” Comments After DWTS

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Cheryl Burke isn’t dancing around the disrespect.

The former Dancing With the Stars professional responded to fans who made negative comments about her looks after she received criticism for her scoring decisions while filling in as a judge on the October 28th Halloween episode of the ABC show.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve been following the recent conversations, and honestly, it’s been a mixed bag. While differing opinions are completely normal, I’ve been really disheartened to see some unnecessarily harsh and even body-shaming comments. It’s been amazing to receive so many positive and thoughtful messages too, and I truly appreciate constructive feedback. I want everyone to know that I approached everything with the best intentions and based on the information I had at the time.

The 41-year-old actress didn’t mention any particular remarks, but she asked fans to be considerate when talking about others, and to think about who might be listening.

She stated that people who body shame, particularly around their children, are sending a harmful message about their values – a message that prioritizes negativity over kindness.

Cheryl, a contestant on the show for 26 seasons, has consistently maintained that she was a fair judge throughout the competition. This was particularly true when her scores didn’t always match those of her fellow judges, Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli.

Cheryl, a professional on the show for 26 seasons, explained she was just doing her job as a judge and offering feedback based on her nearly 20 years of experience. She added that any differences in her scores compared to the other judges were usually only by a single point.

I’ve spent my life competing in ballroom dancing. You don’t need to agree with what I say, but please remember that young dancers are watching and learning from you. If you’re going to set a bad example, please don’t involve me in it.

Cheryl has openly discussed the criticism she faced from viewers of Dancing with the Stars regarding her appearance during the show, and how it impacted her daily life.

I’ve been very open about my struggles with body dysmorphia, and it’s something that’s been with me for a long time. Growing up as a dancer, I was constantly in front of a mirror, scrutinizing my appearance, and honestly, this started well before I ever joined Dancing with the Stars. It’s a challenge I’ve navigated for years, and I wanted to share that part of my journey.

Cheryl, despite facing online criticism and repeatedly stating she hasn’t had plastic surgery or used weight loss drugs, says self-acceptance is her top priority.

She explained that she’s making a conscious effort to prioritize her own well-being. She’s putting her health first, and that’s currently her biggest focus, which is also why she’s not actively dating. She wants to feel good from the inside out, and believes whatever happens next will fall into place naturally.

For more of Cheryl’s candid confessions, keep reading…

Cheryl Burke says leaving Dancing With the Stars in 2022 was actually more difficult than her divorce from Matthew Lawrence, which also happened that year.

In an April 2024 appearance on the podcast, she explained that the show had been a huge part of who she was, giving her a platform and helping her find her voice. She said it’s impossible to compare that experience to anything else.

Okay, so I’ve been following Cheryl and Matthew’s relationship forever, and honestly, I always sensed something was off. Now, Cheryl’s finally talking about it, and it makes so much sense! She says being on Dancing with the Stars and actually earning a good salary – way more than Matthew was making at the time, I’ve read – really messed things up between them. It’s like, the power dynamic shifted, and it put a strain on their three years together. I always knew DWTS was a big deal for her, but I didn’t realize it could actually contribute to their breakup! It’s so sad, but at least she’s being honest about what happened.

She shared on the Amy & T.J. show that money can’t buy love. While she didn’t literally purchase her ex-husband, she was the primary financial provider during their marriage, supporting both of them.

The professional dancer spoke openly about how difficult it is to not get a choice in who their partner is on Dancing with the Stars, explaining that once someone is assigned, you commit to working with them no matter what.

As she explained to Variety in 2023, the entertainment industry operates in a certain way. Once you commit to a project, you can’t simply quit, because your agreement requires you to fulfill your obligations. It’s a delicate situation with clear expectations.

Cheryl addressed rumors about a romantic connection with her Dancing With the Stars partner, Gilles Marini, during their time on season eight in 2009, clarifying that nothing happened between them.

She explained on the April 2024 episode of the Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans podcast that they had a connection, even though they lacked a traditional spark. She simply said, ‘Chemistry.’

I’ve been hearing a lot about Cheryl’s relationship, and she’s been very open about how close she and this other person are. She’s clarified, though, that while they share a deep connection, it’s never been physical. It’s interesting how emotional intimacy can exist without that aspect, and she wanted to make that clear.

While going through her divorce, Cheryl responded to criticism about her social media posts, saying she wasn’t going to stop sharing her personal life.

In an interview with TopMob News, she stated she wasn’t interested in criticism, knowing she was already making a difference for at least one person. She added that she hoped anyone who might be critical would remember this is a personal story and try to understand it.

Cheryl has publicly discussed her journey to sobriety, explaining that her father’s passing in 2018 was the reason she stopped drinking.

After my father died – and he struggled with alcohol – I knew I had two choices: either completely fall apart and seek treatment, or stop drinking abruptly on my own,” she explained on the LadyGang podcast in 2020. “I’m an all-or-nothing person. There’s no in-between for me.”

And the Dance Moms coach isn’t afraid of showing her vulnerable side.

Cheryl admitted in a June 2021 YouTube video that staying sober hasn’t been simple. She explained that she struggles when she keeps things hidden or isn’t honest, even with her fans – that’s when things become difficult for her.

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2025-10-31 18:47