Rumors are swirling about tension between TikTok star Alix Earle and her stepmother, Ashley Dupré, after Dupré publicly criticized ‘Dancing With the Stars’ guest judge Cheryl Burke. While some insiders deny any actual discord, the incident has sparked discussions about family dynamics and public perception.
The controversy began when Dupré, while watching Earle compete on DWTS, made disparaging comments about Burke on TikTok. After Burke gave Earle a score of nine out of ten for her Halloween tango routine, Dupré reacted live, telling Burke to ‘take more Ozempic’ and commenting that she ‘looks weird.’ This immediately drew backlash from viewers who accused Dupré of body-shaming.
In response to the criticism, Dupré posted an apology video, describing her remarks as ‘insensitive’ and explaining that her ‘step-motherly instincts got the better of me.’ She emphasized that she never intends to make others feel bad and strives to uplift people, aligning with how she and her husband raise their children. Despite the apology, sources indicate that the damage was already done.
Insiders close to the family revealed to the Daily Mail that there is ‘noticeable tension’ between Earle and Dupré following the incident. They claimed that Earle was ‘completely humiliated’ by her stepmother’s actions, fearing that the negative attention could harm her chances in the DWTS competition and damage her carefully cultivated reputation.
The relationship between Earle and Dupré has been complex from the start. Dupré, a former escort involved in the Eliot Spitzer scandal, began an affair with Earle’s father, Thomas, leading to his divorce from Earle’s mother. Earle and her sister initially resisted accepting Dupré, playing pranks and rejecting gifts, but over years, they reached a better understanding, as Earle has publicly acknowledged.
Sources suggest that Dupré’s behavior stems from a desire for attention, similar to Earle’s own fame-seeking. An insider noted that Dupré ‘likes attention just as much as Alix’ and often acts without considering consequences, which in this case ‘crossed the line.’ However, Page Six sources contradict this, stating there is ‘no tension at all’ and that Earle is satisfied with Dupré’s apology.
The incident highlights the challenges Earle faces in balancing her public image with private family matters. As a rising influencer with millions of followers, she works hard to maintain a positive reputation, and Dupré’s history—including breaking up marriages and her escort past—adds layers to the public narrative. Insiders fear that such episodes could ‘completely break’ Earle emotionally.
Looking ahead, the drama may influence fan votes on DWTS, where Earle is a frontrunner. The show has two episodes left before the finale, and any negative publicity could sway audience support. Meanwhile, the family is likely to handle the issue privately, as they typically keep internal matters out of the spotlight.
Ultimately, this event underscores the intersection of celebrity culture and personal relationships, where public actions can have private repercussions. While the truth about the tension remains contested, it serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by those in the limelight and their families.
