Cheryl Burke Responds to Ozempic Body-Shaming

Cheryl Burke, 41, served as a guest judge on Dancing With the Stars' Halloween episode on Oct. 28 and gave contestant Alix Earle a 9 for her tango while the other judges awarded 10s. Alix's stepmother, Ashley Dupré, posted a TikTok mocking Burke's appearance and wrote "Oh, go take more Ozempic," a remark that was heard by children and sparked widespread criticism. Burke posted an Instagram video on Oct. 30 defending her score as grounded in 26 seasons of experience and saying DWTS is about growth and constructive feedback. She condemned the body-shaming, especially when voiced in front of children, and urged people to consider the influence of their words. Burke also pushed back against online rumors that she used Ozempic or had cosmetic surgery, saying her changes are personal and that she will not justify her body to critics.