Cheryl Burke is tired of online trolls demanding answers for things they're "just not entitled to."
In a TikTok video posted May 18, the former "Dancing With the Stars" pro took on "cruel" comments from social media users and shared a powerful message about self-love.
“Let’s just address the elephant in the comment section,” Burke began the video. “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.”
As she removed her makeup, the 41-year-old expressed dismay at the personal questions she's received from her followers.
“The level of projection that is happening and that I’m witnessing is wild,” she said. "The way some of you guys talk about me, it's like you think I'm a headline or a filter, not a person."
The dancer went on to say it’s “exhausting as hell” reading comments from social media users who make assumptions about her appearance.
“The accusations are completely cruel, and the fact that so many of them are actually coming from women, that’s what is so shocking and hurtful to be quite honest,” she added.
Above all, Burke said "the most disappointing part" is when she sees people say they "miss the old Cheryl" and reference her appearances on "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" and "Dancing With the Stars" from the 2000s.
“I hate to break it to you, but that Cheryl doesn’t exist anymore,” she said.
Burke reminded her followers that she's been in the public eye since she was 21 years old, noting that her body and face have changed in that time.
“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 said, referencing her 2022 divorce from Matthew Lawrence. “And yeah, maybe it shows, but I’m not sorry for it, not one bit.”
In the video, Burke underscored the importance of positive body image.
“I’m still the same person who has advocated for mental health for many years and body image for many years,” she said. “I just do it differently now than maybe you’re used to. I’m quieter, I have boundaries and more discernment, and frankly, I don’t feel safe the way I used to.”
Burke then urged her followers to be kinder to each other while interacting on social media.
“There’s a tone now on certain platforms that feels more like a firing squad than an actual community,” she said. “The saddest part of all is the way I’m witnessing women tear down other women while pretending it’s from concern. This is me at 41. I am still healing, still growing and still choosing to show up.”
Burke ended her message with a warning for TikTok users who spread negativity.
“If you’re here to speculate, compare or demand answers that you’re just not entitled to, you’re not welcome in this space that I have created,” she said. “But, if you’re here to evolve, to unlearn, to support, welcome, we’re just getting started.”
