Cheryl Burke Addresses DWTS Criticism Amid Body-Shaming Debate

Cheryl Burke, a former Dancing With the Stars pro and recent guest judge, has publicly addressed the intense criticism and body shaming she faced following her scoring on the show's Halloween Night episode. Burke defended her critiques as rooted in her extensive experience, emphasizing her intent to provide constructive feedback to help contestants improve, while condemning hateful remarks related to her appearance, especially those made in front of children. The controversy arose after she gave influencer Alix Earle a score of nine, while other judges awarded tens, prompting Earle's stepmother to make a disparaging TikTok comment that many saw as body shaming. Burke also highlighted the double standards women judges face compared to their male counterparts and expressed empathy for fellow judge Carrie Ann Inaba, who has been subjected to harsher public scrutiny. Despite the backlash, Burke remains proud of her contributions and hopes to empower contestants amid a growing and passionate DWTS fanbase, cautioning against bullying and emphasizing respect within the community. Her return to the show is seen as a homecoming, bringing valuable perspective after 26 seasons as a competitor and pro dancer.