Sharna Burgess addresses rumors of BTS 'Toxicity' on “DWTS”, clarifying it's 'Not the Show Itself or the People on It'

Sharna Burgess is addressing the rumors of behind-the-scenes "toxicity" on Dancing with the Stars. The 40-year-old professional dancer, who joined the show in season 16 and left in season 30, responded to a fan's inquiry during a Q&A on her Instagram Stories.

When a fan asked, "What do you think DWTS toxic means?", Burgess clarified, "Ive never heard this, but Ill have to assume its the fandom (not all, of course)." She added, "Its definitely not the show itself or the people on it. Its so sad to see those two words together, but the online hate has reached another level these days. On the other hand, so has the online love and admiration. Its the yin and yang... the balance, I guess. The more people love something, the more youll have those who don't."

Burgess also commented on how the success of the show has led to an increase in online hate, stating that many people who leave negative remarks would likely ask for a photo with the very same people they criticize, if given the chance. "Its the every man and his dog [who] wants to go viral with their 'hot takes'," she said.

The former pro dancer, who notably competed with Bobby Bones in season 27, also touched on the controversy surrounding his Mirrorball win. Bones, who faced backlash from fans and former host Tom Bergeron, shared in a recent interview that he had sent his trophy back to ABC due to the criticism. In a TikTok posted on November 12, Bones responded to Bergerons comments about his win, expressing that the criticism hurt, not because of what was said, but because of who said it.

Bones reflected on his unexpected journey on Dancing with the Stars, revealing that he had no initial plans to be on the show. "I was working on a different show at the network when they asked me to appear to promote it. Was I supposed to not show up and work hard?" he questioned.

The podcast host also expressed how the ongoing hate continues to affect him years later. He mentioned that even respected figures like Tom Bergeron and Julianne Hough, who strongly disagreed with his win, continue to bring up his time on the series.