Ashley Dupre has issued an apology following remarks she made about Cheryl Burke, a judge on *Dancing With the Stars*, which were widely perceived as body-shaming. The incident occurred after Burke gave a low score to Alix Earle, Dupre’s stepdaughter, during the show.
In a video posted on her TikTok account on October 31, 2023, Dupre expressed regret for her previous comments, particularly telling Burke to “go take more Ozempic,” a medication often discussed in the context of weight loss. “I just wanted to jump on here and apologize for making comments that were insensitive in the heat of the competition,” Dupre, 40, stated. She emphasized her intention to uplift others, saying, “Never ever do I want to make another person feel bad.”
Burke, 41, responded indirectly to Dupre’s comments in a video shared on her Instagram account the previous day, during which she criticized those who body-shamed her following the scoring. “My comments didn’t just come out of nowhere. It came from personal experience,” Burke explained. She highlighted that her feedback stems from her extensive experience on the show over 26 seasons and her training as a professional dancer.
Burke underscored the distinction between constructive criticism and harmful remarks related to appearance. “What’s not okay is I’ve also seen so many aggressive [comments] and a lot of body-shaming ones,” she noted. She pointed out that while she welcomes both positive and negative feedback, comments targeting her looks cross a line.
The professional dancer also shared her commitment to maintaining a positive example for younger audiences, stating, “And you know, you don’t have to agree with my critique, but you do have to recognize the influence your words have on the next generation watching you.” Burke added that body-shaming, especially in front of children, sends the wrong message about values.
In August, Burke publicly denied using weight loss drugs, stating, “There’s just no way, I faint at the sight of needles.” She attributed her weight loss to healthier eating habits, emphasizing a lifestyle change over medication. “I stopped eating past 7 p.m. and it changed my whole body,” she explained.
The exchange between Dupre and Burke highlights the ongoing discussions regarding body image and the impact of public comments in the entertainment industry. As the conversation continues, both women have underscored the importance of kindness and sensitivity in their remarks.
