Cheryl Burke Slams Body Shamers and Ozempic Rumors: “I Don’t Owe You an Explanation”

Cheryl Burke has officially had enough.

The Dancing With the Stars alum didn’t hold back in a raw and emotional TikTok video posted on May 18, where she confronted the online speculation about her body, her face, and even her health.

Let’s be clear: Cheryl is done explaining herself. And she shouldn’t have to in the first place.

“No, I’m Not on Ozempic — Let’s Stop the Rumors”

In her TikTok, Cheryl opened with a statement that instantly set the record straight: “I am not on Ozempic. I am not sick. I didn’t get a face transplant and I didn’t get a brow lift.”

She was calm but direct. The message wasn’t just for trolls — it was for anyone assuming they had the right to dissect her appearance. Cheryl has been in the spotlight since she was 20. That’s over two decades of public judgment and constant scrutiny. And now, at 41, she’s calling it out for what it is: cruel.

“I’ve changed. My face has changed because I have changed,” she said. And that right there? That’s the part so many people forget. Life, healing, and aging show up in different ways for everyone.

Cheryl talked openly about the journey she’s been through — trauma, divorce, burnout, sobriety. This isn’t a woman who’s trying to look 21 again. This is someone who’s evolved, who’s doing the work, and who’s still healing.

Tired of the Speculation? Cheryl Is, Too

What really struck a nerve for Cheryl was the way people kept referring to “the old Cheryl.”

Comments like “we miss the Suite Life Cheryl” or “you looked better on season 2 of DWTS” are the kind of backhanded remarks that sound harmless but cut deep. Especially when they’re coming from other women.

“That Cheryl doesn’t exist anymore,” she reminded everyone. “The assumptions are exhausting as hell. The accusations are completely cruel.”

And let’s talk about that — women tearing down other women. Cheryl said it herself: that part hurts the most. People claim they’re “worried” or coming from a place of concern, but Cheryl sees through that. She’s asking the real question: If you’re so concerned, why are you judging?

We’ve created a space on social media where people think they can say whatever they want, whenever they want, and that public figures have to take it. Cheryl’s not here for that anymore.

She said, “Frankly, I don’t feel safe the way I used to on social media.” And that hits hard.

Let’s Rethink How We Talk About Women’s Bodies

Cheryl’s message was loud and clear: her healing, her body, her life — it’s all hers. She doesn’t owe anyone answers.

So many women in the public eye are constantly under the microscope. People assume weight loss must be from a trendy drug like Ozempic. If someone looks different, they must’ve had “work done.” But Cheryl’s not playing along with that narrative.

She’s showing up, even when it’s hard. She’s still growing, still doing the work behind the scenes. And she doesn’t want sympathy. She wants respect.

Respect People’s Journeys — Even If You Don’t Understand Them

In the caption of her TikTok, Cheryl doubled down:

“I’m not on Ozempic. I’m not sick. I didn’t get ‘a new face.’ 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 quite frankly. Let this be the last time I have to say it.”

That’s a powerful boundary. And it’s something more of us should support.

Healing doesn’t always look pretty. Sometimes it means stepping away, growing quieter, setting boundaries. Cheryl says she’s more discerning now. And that’s a beautiful thing.

She’s not the 20-year-old fresh off her first Dancing With the Stars win. She’s a woman who’s lived through loss, joy, pain, and reinvention. And she’s owning every part of it.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or someone who just saw her name trending, one thing’s for sure — Cheryl Burke deserves more kindness and a whole lot more grace.

Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical or psychological advice. All opinions are based on public statements made by Cheryl Burke. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health challenges, please seek help from a qualified professional.