Ashley Dupre Apologizes for Body-Shaming Comments to Cheryl Burke

Ashley Dupre, the stepmother of influencer Alix Earle, has publicly apologized for her body-shaming remarks directed at Cheryl Burke, a guest judge on *Dancing With the Stars*. The controversy sparked when Dupre suggested Burke should “go take more Ozempic” following a low score the judge awarded Earle during the competition.

In a TikTok video posted on October 31, 2023, Dupre expressed regret for her comments, stating, “I just wanted to jump on here and apologize for making comments that were insensitive in the heat of the competition.” The 40-year-old acknowledged that her “step-motherly instincts got the better of” her and emphasized her intention to uplift others rather than bring them down. Dupre added, “If you follow me, you know that about me, I hope. And that’s how we raised our children.”

Burke, aged 41, appeared to address Dupre’s remarks during an Instagram video released the same day. She criticized body-shaming and explained that her scoring was based on extensive experience in the industry. “My comments didn’t just come out of nowhere. It came from personal experience,” Burke stated. She highlighted the importance of constructive criticism while condemning aggressive comments about her appearance.

“I know that I did the best that I could with the information that I had and with what I saw in real time,” Burke continued. She stressed that body shaming, particularly in front of children, sends a harmful message about societal values. “And clearly it’s not kindness,” she said, reminding viewers that her scoring was only one point different from the other judges.

Burke also defended her health choices, having previously denied using weight loss drugs like Ozempic. “There’s just no way, I faint at the sight of needles,” she told *Us Weekly* in August 2023. She attributed her weight loss to lifestyle changes, such as modifying her eating habits and avoiding food after 7 p.m.

This incident highlights the ongoing discussion around body image and the pressures faced by public figures. Burke’s experience underscores the impact of public scrutiny and the responsibility that comes with influencing younger audiences. As she noted, “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.”

Dupre’s apology reflects a growing awareness of the effects of body shaming, particularly in competitive environments like reality television. The exchange between Dupre and Burke serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness and sensitivity in public discourse.