How Cheryl Burke’s Sobriety Was Almost Impacted by Negative Comments

by

Cheryl Burke is tired of the social media song and dance.

Over time, the ex-pro dancer from “Dancing with the Stars” has faced a great deal of criticism, particularly regarding her physical appearance. Now, Cheryl is opening up about how this negativity affected her mentally, even pushing her to consider breaking her seven-year sobriety streak.

In an interview with Us Weekly on August 6, she admitted that she had pondered the idea of drinking amidst the negativity, but she wouldn’t be able to bear the shame and guilt if she were to slip up. She expressed her disdain at the thought of wasting seven years if she were to relapse, and the self-loathing it would bring upon herself.

Cheryl admitted, ‘It’s only recently that I’ve spent so much time learning to love the person reflected in the mirror, which is a new experience for me.’ However, she confidently stated, ‘I am definitely embarking on this journey. I can’t stand the thought of changing that reflection if I ever took even a single sip of alcohol.’

The allure was present there for Cheryl, as for a long time drinking had provided her with “unwavering self-assurance” and “the bravery to venture out.” However, after seven years without alcohol, the former host of the podcast Sex, Lies and Spray Tans can now boast of the advancements she’s achieved. She feels particularly proud of her progress.

And she credits a lot of her mental wellbeing these days with learning how to tune out the noise.

For years, my life’s mission seemed to revolve around seeking validation from others instead of discovering self-acceptance. To claim that the relentless online criticism hasn’t left its mark would be disingenuous. I’m only human, after all. There were moments when it all became too much, and I found myself sinking into a deep despair as this new form of dehumanization took hold.

Over the past fifteen years, along with her therapist, Cheryl has made significant progress. She’s now pleased to share that “It doesn’t impact me as intensely as it once did.” Furthermore, an energy healer aided her in rediscovering her true self, emphasizing that she is not confined by the external noise around her.

Recently, the surrounding chatter has been notably boisterous, focusing on allegations about Cheryl using weight-loss substances and bleaching her skin. However, she firmly asserts that these accusations are untrue.

She attributes a large part of her changed appearance, aside from the weight loss efforts, to finding out more about herself beyond the influence of “Dancing with the Stars,” which had defined her look for such a long time.

She stated, “I’ve never had surgery or any cosmetic procedures such as nips, tucks, or Ozempic. I’ve never been called a liar, but I stand by my truth. I’m learning to embrace myself, the genuine skin I was born with. This is who I am and I feel proud that I don’t wear heavy makeup; I’m just being me.

In her words, “Turning 41 signifies a shift in my life. My job, personal relationships, and residence have all undergone significant transformations. These are major alterations that one can either resist or accept.

Currently, Cheryl is entirely absorbed in accepting this new phase. For a glimpse into the dancer’s most genuine instances throughout her journey, continue reading.

As a dedicated follower, I’d like to share my personal experience: The decision to part ways from “Dancing With the Stars” in 2022 was undeniably tougher for me than navigating through my divorce with Matthew Lawrence, which also happened the same year.

She stated during the April 2024 episode of “Amy & T.J” podcast that the show once held immense significance to her, almost becoming a defining aspect of her identity. She acknowledged that the duo had played a crucial role in providing her with a platform to express herself.

Considering her three-year union with the actor from “Boy Meets World,” Cheryl feels that her earnings from “Dancing With The Stars” may have caused tension in their relationship.

She shared that it’s impossible to purchase affection, as expressed on the show “Amy & T.J“. While she clarified that she didn’t ‘purchase’ her ex-husband, she did emphasize that she was the primary earner in their relationship, providing financial support for them both.

As a professional dancer on DWTS, I’ve learned to embrace the unexpected. When it comes to my partner, I don’t have the luxury of choice; whoever steps through that door becomes my dance partner, and I stand firm by their side without a second thought.

In 2023, she explained to Variety, “This is the world of entertainment,” emphasizing, “I’m a hired hand. I can’t abruptly quit without notice or apology. That’s not how things work in this profession. It’s a delicate balance.

In a clear statement, Cheryl clarified that the speculations about her having a romantic involvement with her “Dancing with the Stars” season eight partner Gilles Marini during their training sessions in 2009 were not true.

In the April 2024 episode of the “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans” podcast, she stated, “We experienced something akin to chemistry.

Despite acknowledging they were quite close, Cheryl clarified, “There was never any physical involvement between us.

During the process of her divorce, Cheryl firmly responded to those who criticized her for oversharing about her personal life online, saying…

In a TopMob News interview, she stated that there was no need for comments since she was confident about assisting at least one person. In essence, she suggested that those who might be skeptical should pay attention carefully to fully grasp that what they were witnessing was someone else’s personal journey.

As a lifestyle advocate, I’ve been transparent about my personal journey towards sobriety. I’ve openly shared that the passing of my father in 2018 served as a profound catalyst, leading me to make the decision to abstain from alcohol.

In a 2020 episode of the LadyGang podcast, I shared my personal journey: My father, who struggled with alcoholism, had sadly passed away. Facing similar challenges, I found myself at a crossroads – either spiraling out of control and seeking help in rehab, or taking the bold step to quit drinking completely. Given my character, I’ve always been someone who operates on two extremes – it’s ‘all or nothing’ for me.

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

In her June 2021 YouTube video, Cheryl admitted, “I’d be telling a falsehood if I said my sobriety has been effortless.” She continued, “For me, hiding secrets or not being honest with everyone, even my followers, is when things become unsettling.

Read More

2025-08-06 18:17