Cheryl Burke just can’t win. Years after being slammed in the tabloids for her weight, the Dancing With the Stars professional dancer is now having to defend her skinnier frame and pronounced lips. During an appearance on Access Hollywood this week, Burke said she lost 25 pounds by simply eating healthier and exercising more.
“I’ve seriously had no plastic surgery,” she told Access Hollywood co-host Kit Hoover on Wednesday, July 16. “I used to get bullied as a kid for having big ears and big lips and they would call me monkey face. So I’ve always had the big lips.”
Burke defended herself, in part, because of the backlash she suffered after posting a bikini selfie via Instagram while vacationing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on July 7.
“People just went crazy,” the 30-year-old explained. “I was surprised that no one really stuck up for me either. It really just messes with your head honestly.” (Some of the hate-filled comments received were “you look anorexic” and “what the hell happened to you?”)
The negative feedback didn’t leave Burke in tears, but it has left an affect on her. “I do constantly look in the mirror and say, ‘Oh, I have a fat roll here. Or am I skinny enough or am I fit enough?'” she said. “Now I just have to let it go and as long as I feel good and I’m happy that’s all that matters.”
