Alix Earle’s stepmother, Ashley Dupré, has issued a public apology to former Dancing with the Stars pro Cheryl Burke following backlash over a body-shaming comment made during the show’s October 28 episode. Dupré had criticized Burke’s scoring of Earle’s performance, telling the dancer to “go take more Ozempic.” On October 31, Dupré released a statement acknowledging her remarks were “insensitive” and made “in the heat of the competition.”
Background and Main Details
The controversy began during Tuesday’s Dancing with the Stars broadcast, when Alix Earle and partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy performed a tango to Billie Eilish’s “bury a friend.” The pair received tens from Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli, while guest judge Cheryl Burke awarded a nine.
In a reaction video later shared online, Dupré could be heard responding to Burke’s score by saying, “Oh, go take more Ozempic.” When questioned by her children, she repeated the comment, adding that Burke “looked weird” and “didn’t even look like herself.” Burke, who previously revealed losing 30–35 lbs through intermittent fasting and exercise, did not initially comment but addressed the matter a day later via Instagram.
Quotes and Reactions
In her apology video posted on social media, Dupré said,
“I just wanted to jump on here and apologize for making comments that were insensitive in the heat of the competition. I always try to pick others up, and I’m sorry that my actions did not reflect that.”
She concluded by wishing everyone a “safe and amazing Halloween.”
Cheryl Burke responded firmly on her Instagram Stories, stating,
“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. If that’s the example you choose to set, then please, leave my name out of it.”
Impact and Public Response
The exchange sparked widespread conversation about body image and celebrity accountability on social media. Many fans sided with Burke, emphasizing the importance of respectful conduct during public competitions. Meanwhile, Dupré’s apology video has been viewed thousands of times, with commenters noting her acknowledgment was “the right step.” Industry analysts note that while this controversy does not directly affect Dancing with the Stars ratings, it underscores the scrutiny faced by participants and their families in televised competitions.
What’s Next
Dancing with the Stars will return Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, where Alix Earle and partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy continue to compete for the mirrorball trophy. No disciplinary actions have been announced regarding the social media remarks, but both Dupré and Burke appear focused on moving forward.
Sources
PEOPLE Magazine (Ingrid Vasquez)
ABC Entertainment News
Cheryl Burke Instagram
Dancing with the Stars Official Page
