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Former Dancing with the Stars celebrity Cheryl Burke found herself at the center of controversy following comments made by Alix Earle’s stepmother, Ashley Dupré, during the show’s October 28, 2025, episode. Dupré criticized Burke’s judging after the dancer gave Earle and her partner, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, a score of nine for their tango to Billie Eilish’s “bury a friend.” In a video reaction posted online, Dupré reportedly told Burke to “go take more Ozempic." She later even added, "What? She looks weird. Doesn’t even look like her."Cheryl Burke had addressed similar rumors earlier this year, insisting she had never used the alleged weight loss drug. Ashley Dupré’s comments quickly drew immense backlash from fans and viewers and started discussions about scrutiny and body image, as reported by PEOPLE on October 31, 2025.Ashley Dupré has issued an apology to Cheryl BurkeTwo days after the controversial comment, Ashley Dupré publicly apologized to Burke, saying it was because of “stepmotherly instincts” and emotion “in the heat of the competition” as the reason for her remarks, according to the report by PEOPLE.Speaking in a follow-up video posted while heading to a Halloween party, Dupré admitted her words on Dancing with the Stars were "insensitive" and inconsistent with how she aims to raise her children."I always try to pick others up. I’m sorry that my actions did not reflect that."Heading @HeadingDailyLINKAlix Earle’s stepmom, Ashley Dupré, apologized to Cheryl Burke for body-shaming her after reacting to Burke's score on Dancing with the Stars. Dupré regretted insensitive comments made during a TikTok video, emphasizing kindness and setting a better example. #alixearleDupré added that she hoped her apology would be taken as a reflection of accountability for the Ozempic remarks.. The apology came shortly after Cheryl Burke addressed the issue herself on Instagram, calling attention to the example adults set for younger audiences. "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." View this post on Instagram Instagram PostCheryl Burke has denied Ozempic use beforeCheryl Burke addressed Ozempic allegations earlier this year as well, when she publicly refuted claims that her changing appearance was due to the drug, illness, or cosmetic procedures, as reported by PEOPLE on May 19, 2025. In a TikTok posted on May 18, 2025, Burke, now 41, directly addressed online speculation. In the caption, she wrote, "“I’m not on Ozempic. I’m not sick. I didn’t get a ‘new face.’ Stop dissecting women’s bodies like they belong to you. This is YOUR reminder: I don’t owe you an explanation for my healing or for anything quite frankly. Let this be the last time I have to say it."Cheryl Burke and Gleb Savchenko attend United Ukrainian Ballet Ratmansky's Giselle at Segerstrom Center For The Arts on June 29, 2023 (Image via Getty)She described the persistent scrutiny as “exhausting,” adding that she had evolved over two decades in the public eye. The dancer also associated her physical changes with life experiences, including divorce, sobriety, and personal growth. As reported by PEOPLE, the star said"I have been in the public eye since I was 21 years old, my body has changed over the past 20 years, my face has changed because I’ve changed. I’ve experienced so much trauma, divorce, and this is by no means a pity party. Soberity, burnout, reinvention, I’ve healed, I’ve lost, I’ve grieved like anybody else. And yeah, maybe it shows, but I’m not sorry for it, not one bit."The star also added that speculation about women’s bodies often disguises itself as concern.Cheryl Burke’s statement, which received widespread support from fans, underscored her ongoing advocacy for body positivity and mental health awareness. Read More: 7 best winners from ‘America's Got Talent’
