A recent episode of Dancing with the Stars ignited a social media firestorm when influencer Alix Earle’s stepmom, Ashley Dupré, publicly questioned guest judge Cheryl Burke’s appearance after a controversial score. This incident not only sparked debate among fans but also reignited conversations around body image and online criticism that Burke has bravely addressed in the past.
The ballroom of Dancing with the Stars is no stranger to drama, but a recent episode on October 28, 2025, brought an unexpected and highly public confrontation. Following influencer Alix Earle’s tango performance, her stepmom, Ashley Dupré, launched a scathing critique at guest judge Cheryl Burke, sparking widespread discussion among fans and beyond the dance floor.
The Controversial Score That Ignited a Firestorm
During Dancing with the Stars’ Halloween Night, Alix Earle, alongside her pro partner Val Chmerkovskiy, delivered a “zombified tango” to Billie Eilish’s “bury a friend.” The performance was largely lauded, earning an impressive score of 39 out of 40. This placed Earle at the top of the leaderboard, just one point shy of a perfect score.
The point deduction came from guest judge and former DWTS pro, Cheryl Burke, who awarded Earle a nine while the other three core judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli—all gave perfect 10s. Burke’s critique, though acknowledging Earle’s “passion and fire,” specifically noted that Earle “broke hold,” a technical misstep in professional ballroom dancing.
Ashley Dupré’s Public Dig: “Go Take More Ozempic!”
Watching from home with Earle’s younger siblings, Ashley Dupré reacted with visible anger to Burke’s score. She quickly took to TikTok to express her displeasure, filming herself as the judges’ paddles were revealed. Upon seeing Burke’s nine, Dupré exclaimed, “Oh, go take more Ozempic!”
Her children, seemingly confused by the comment, could be heard asking for clarification, “Go take more Ozempic?” Dupré doubled down on her insult, stating, “What? She looks weird. Doesn’t even look like her,” implying Burke’s recent body transformation was due to the GLP-1 medication. Despite her critique of Burke, Dupré used the caption of her video to express immense pride in her stepdaughter, writing, “INSANE!!!! So proud of you!!!! @Alix Earle @Val,” as reported by People.
Cheryl Burke’s Ongoing Battle with Body Image and Online Scrutiny
The “Ozempic” accusation from Dupré struck a particularly sensitive chord, as Cheryl Burke has been consistently open about her struggles with body image and the relentless public scrutiny she faces. Burke has never confirmed using Ozempic for weight loss, instead attributing her body transformation to embracing a healthier lifestyle as she entered her 40s.
In May, Burke told People, “I’ve noticed not only my skin changing into mature skin, but also just my metabolism has changed quite a lot.” She has also spoken candidly about the pressures of being a dancer, explaining, “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.”
Burke has actively pushed back against the constant online criticism and assumptions about her appearance, particularly claims of Ozempic use. Earlier this year, she lamented to Fox News, “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.” This consistent denial and call for empathy highlight the broader issue of body shaming faced by public figures, often amplified on social media platforms.
The Impact on DWTS and the Culture of Celebrity Scrutiny
The incident between Ashley Dupré and Cheryl Burke underscores the intense scrutiny public figures, especially those in the entertainment industry, endure. While familial support for a contestant like Alix Earle is expected, the personal nature of Dupré’s attack crossed a line for many viewers and fans of Dancing with the Stars.
For a show that prides itself on the journey and growth of its celebrity contestants, such public feuds detract from the artistic and competitive aspects. It also shines a light on how rapidly social media can escalate minor disagreements into widespread controversies, often without full context or regard for individuals’ personal struggles. Despite the drama, Alix Earle’s strong performance secured her spot, propelling her forward into week eight of Dancing with the Stars’ 34th season.
