UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, Alix Earle’s stepmom, Ashley Dupre, has publicly apologized for her body-shaming remarks directed at Cheryl Burke, a judge on Dancing With the Stars. The controversy erupted following Burke’s low score for Earle on the show, leading Dupre to suggest Burke should “go take more Ozempic” in a TikTok video shared on October 31.
Dupre, 40, quickly backpedaled, expressing regret for her “insensitive” comments. In a heartfelt TikTok clip, she stated, “I just wanted to jump on here and apologize for making comments that were insensitive in the heat of the competition. My step-motherly instincts got the better of me.” She emphasized her commitment to uplifting others rather than putting them down.
Burke, 41, responded to the backlash on her Instagram account, addressing the body-shaming comments that followed her scoring of Earle. “My comments didn’t just come out of nowhere. It came from personal experience,” she explained, reflecting on her extensive 26-season tenure on DWTS. Burke condemned the aggressive nature of the criticism she received, particularly those targeting her appearance.
“I know that I did the best that I could with the information that I had,” Burke noted, while highlighting the detrimental impact of body shaming, especially in front of children. “If that’s the example you choose to set, then please, I beg of you leave my name out of it,” she asserted.
In previous statements, Burke has denied using weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, stating, “There’s just no way, I faint at the sight of needles.” She attributed her weight loss to changes in her eating habits, emphasizing the importance of health over numbers on a scale.
This unfolding drama has reignited conversations around body image and the responsibilities public figures have in their commentary. As this story develops, viewers are reminded of the influence their words have, particularly in the context of children who look up to these celebrities.
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving situation and the continuing fallout from these comments in the entertainment world.
