Cheryl Burke Addresses Social Media Criticism of Her Appearance

LOS ANGELES, CA — Cheryl Burke, 41, known for her role on “Dancing with the Stars,” took to TikTok on May 18 to address recent speculation about her appearance. In a candid video, Burke dismissed rumors about her looks and expressed the challenges of being under public scrutiny.

“Let’s just address the elephant in the comment section,” Burke stated while removing her makeup. She categorically refuted claims that she had undergone any surgery or was using medication for weight loss. “I’m not on Ozempic. I’m not sick. I didn’t get a face transplant, and no, I didn’t get a brow lift,” she asserted.

Burke noted the excessive scrutiny she faces, saying, “The level of projection that is happening and that I’m witnessing is wild.” She emphasized how public commentary often strips away her identity, making her feel more like a target than a person. “I hate to break it to you, but that Cheryl doesn’t exist anymore,” she added, referring to the comparisons being made to her younger self.

The dancer admitted that the most painful part was seeing comments longing for the “old” version of her. “The assumptions are just exhausting as hell,” she said, addressing how hurtful these comments can be, especially coming from other women.

Burke shared her journey over the last two decades, highlighting experiences of trauma, divorce, and personal growth. “I’ve experienced so much trauma, divorce, and this is by no means a pity party. Sobriety, burnout, reinvention, I’ve healed, I’ve lost, I’ve grieved like anybody else,” she explained.

She reiterated that she is not sorry for who she has become. “This is me at 41, I am still healing, still growing, and still choosing to show up,” Burke stated. She urged her followers to focus on personal evolution and avoid invasive speculation, declaring, “If you’re here to speculate, compare, or demand answers, you’re not welcome in this space.” Burke concluded her message with a strong reminder: “Stop dissecting women’s bodies like they belong to you. This is YOUR reminder: I don’t owe you an explanation for my healing or for anything frankly. Let this be the last time I have to say it.”

The TikTok video, which resonated with many viewers, received widespread support in the comments section. Burke also shared similar sentiments during a reflective post ahead of her 41st birthday on May 3. “This next chapter isn’t about proving anything to the world. It’s about proving to myself that I deserve peace, fulfillment, and joy without conditions,” she said.