A routine score on Dancing With the Stars ignited an unexpected public spat when contestant Alix Earle’s stepmom, Ashley Dupré, made a controversial comment about guest judge and former pro Cheryl Burke’s appearance, sparking a wider discussion about celebrity weight loss and online scrutiny.
The ballroom of Dancing With the Stars, typically a place of dazzling performances and intense competition, recently became the stage for an unexpected celebrity feud. During season 34, social media sensation Alix Earle, alongside her professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy, delivered a memorable tango that captivated audiences and judges alike. Their impressive routine earned them a near-perfect score of 39 out of 40, placing them at the top of the leaderboard for the night.
However, it was the single ‘9’ paddle from returning guest judge and beloved former pro, Cheryl Burke, that inadvertently triggered a swift and sharp reaction from Earle’s family, escalating into a public commentary on Burke’s physical appearance.
The Unfiltered Reaction: Dupré’s ‘Ozempic’ Accusation
The controversy erupted shortly after the scores were revealed. Ashley Dupré, Alix Earle’s stepmom, took to TikTok to share her real-time reaction to Burke’s judging. In a video that quickly went viral, Dupré expressed her displeasure with Burke’s ‘9,’ exclaiming, “Oh, go take more Ozempic!”
Her children, reportedly watching the episode with her, seemed confused by the abrupt comment. Dupré then doubled down on her allegations, adding, “What? She looks weird. Doesn’t even look like her,” implying Burke’s slimmer physique was a result of weight-loss medication. This candid moment, captured and shared on social media, instantly drew both criticism and support, reigniting ongoing discussions about public figures and their personal health choices, as reported by Parade.
Cheryl Burke’s Journey to Wellness: Addressing Body Image in the Spotlight
Cheryl Burke, known for her powerful presence on the Dancing With the Stars stage, has indeed garnered attention for her recent transformation. While she has not publicly confirmed or denied the use of medications like Ozempic, Burke has been transparent about her journey towards a healthier lifestyle.
In an interview with People, Burke revealed that she lost 35 pounds by embracing healthier habits as she entered her 40s. She candidly discussed how her metabolism had changed and how being a professional dancer had historically impacted her body image. “As a dancer, we were stuck in front of mirrors constantly, it was important to stay at a certain weight, and my dance coaches were really strict,” she shared, highlighting the immense pressure she faced throughout her career to maintain a specific physique.
Her emphasis has been on overall wellness rather than purely aesthetic goals, aiming for a sustainable and healthier approach to her body as she navigated new life stages.
Beyond the Ballroom: Ashley Dupré’s Public Persona and Past
The intensity of Ashley Dupré’s comments also drew attention to her own public history. While now known as the stepmom to social media influencer Alix Earle, Dupré previously garnered national headlines under different circumstances. She was famously identified as the high-priced escort at the center of the 2008 scandal that led to the resignation of then-New York Governor Eliot Spitzer.
Following the scandal, Dupré attempted to rebuild her life, including ventures into music and later establishing a family. Her past, deeply rooted in a significant public controversy, adds an additional layer of intrigue to her recent, very public critique of Cheryl Burke. This history, widely reported by outlets like People, often informs how the public perceives her current actions and statements, particularly when they involve public figures and sensitive topics like body image.
Fan Community Echoes: The Debate Over Judging and Public Commentary
The incident quickly became a trending topic across social media platforms, dividing the Dancing With the Stars fan community and general public.
- Judging Fairness: Many fans debated whether Burke’s ‘9’ was genuinely deserved or if it was an unusually harsh critique, especially for a returning pro. Some argued that as a former competitor, Burke’s standards might be higher, while others felt it was an unfair score given Earle and Chmerkovskiy’s overall performance.
- Body Shaming vs. Free Speech: Dupré’s “Ozempic” comment sparked a fervent discussion about body shaming and the appropriate boundaries of public commentary on celebrity appearances. Many condemned the remark as an unwarranted attack, while a smaller contingent defended Dupré’s right to express her opinion, however controversially.
- The Ozempic Debate: The incident also fueled broader conversations surrounding the increasing prevalence and discussion of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic in Hollywood and among public figures, and the ethics of speculating about individuals’ health choices.
The swift online reactions underscored the passionate nature of the DWTS fanbase and the heightened scrutiny celebrities face in the age of social media.
Cheryl Burke’s Enduring DWTS Legacy
Despite the recent controversy, Cheryl Burke’s legacy on Dancing With the Stars remains undeniable. Having joined the show in season 2, she became a foundational pro for 26 seasons, known for her fierce competitiveness and graceful choreography. Her two Mirrorball trophies and numerous memorable partnerships cemented her status as one of the show’s most iconic figures.
Her return as a guest judge was a celebrated moment for many long-time viewers, offering a familiar face and an expert perspective. Burke announced her retirement from the competition at the end of season 31, but her continued involvement, even in a guest capacity, speaks to her deep connection with the show and its audience.
Conclusion: A Moment That Sparked More Than Just Dance Talk
The exchange between Ashley Dupré and Cheryl Burke transcended a simple judging critique. It became a flashpoint for larger discussions within the entertainment world: the role of guest judges, the impact of social media on celebrity interactions, and the ongoing dialogue about body image and health in the public eye. While Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy’s tango was nearly perfect on the dance floor, the subsequent drama highlighted the imperfect and often volatile nature of celebrity culture when it collides with unfiltered online commentary.
