Former Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) star Sharna Burgess recently addressed the rumors surrounding the reality dance competition. After a recent contestant’s comments surfaced online, claiming the show fosters a “toxic” environment, the DWTS veteran has come out in its defense.
Sharna Burgess says ‘online hate is just another level’ on DWTS toxicity rumors
Sharna Burgess, a pro dancer who appeared on Seasons 16 through 30, recently addressed the alleged behind-the-scenes toxicity during a Q&A session on her Instagram story.
“I’ve never heard this, but I’m gonna have to assume the fandom (some not all obvi),” the 40-year-old wrote in her story. “It’s certainly not the show itself or the people on it. Gosh, I hate even seeing those two words together. It’s so sad, but yeah, the online hate is just another level these days.”
However, the ballroom dancer noted that there are two sides to the online attention. “On the flip side, so is the online love and adoration,” she explained. “It’s the yin and yang, the balance, I guess. Where there are more people that love something, there will also be more people that don’t.”
Burgess added, “And with how popular it is again with this second coming, every man and his dog wants to go viral with their ‘hot takes,’ while most of them would cry for a photo with any of the people they speak so portly of if given the chance.”
The rumors began after DWTS Season 34 contestant, actor Corey Feldman, criticized the show’s behind-the-scenes situation. “There was a lot of stupidity in the mudslinging that went on, like, behind the scenes,” the Gremlins actor said on Guvery’s Law’s radio show. “Actually, there, everything was great. But the behind-the-scenes drama and BS that people throw around that show, I’ve never seen anything like it. Literally, it’s the worst, like, most toxic.” (via Daily Mail)
Feldman competed with pro dancer Jenna Johnson, who won Season 26. However, Feldman failed to impress the judges and audience, leading to his elimination in week two. Nonetheless, his post-elimination comments sparked a lot of controversy.
When PEOPLE shared Feldman’s allegations on Instagram, former celebrity contestants and pro dancers quickly jumped in to defend the show.
The MTV star, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, replied, “DWTS was the best experience of my life. What’s he saying?” Meanwhile, violinist Lindsey Stirling commented, “I only had the best memories come from my time on DWTS. From the producers to the makeup team, to the cameramen, to the dancers, everyone was so kind and respectful. It was literally a dream experience.”
Originally reported by Harsha Panduranga on ComingSoon.
