Sharna Burgess Speaks Out About Alleged Toxicity on Dancing With the Stars

Sharna Burgess Responds to 'Toxic' Allegations About Dancing With the Stars

Sharna Burgess has addressed recent rumors regarding the alleged toxicity of the show *Dancing With the Stars*, offering her perspective on the matter. According to Burgess, the accusations of a negative environment on set or behind the scenes are untrue, although she acknowledges that there is one area of the show that could be perceived as problematic.

When asked on her Instagram story on December 5 about what she believes the term "DWTS toxic" means, Sharna suggested that the blame lies primarily with the online fanbase, specifically "some" of the fandom. "The online hate is just another level these days," she wrote. This statement comes after speculation that the show has been fostering an unsupportive atmosphere for both the professionals and celebrities involved.

Despite the online hate, Burgess, who left the show in 2022, clarified that the toxicity is not inherent to the show or its production team. "It's certainly not the show itself or the people on it," she continued. "Gosh, I hate even seeing those two words together." Instead, she attributes the rise in negativity to the shows resurgence in popularity, with more people now watching and engaging in viral "hot takes." As the fan base grows, so does both love and hate online, creating a "yin and yang" effect, as Sharna described it.

Her comments echo those made by *DWTS* pro couple Alan Bersten and Emma Slater a few days prior, who also rejected claims of toxicity on set. During an interview on December 2, Emma Slater noted that the work environment on the show has always been collaborative and supportive. "There was an article that came out that was like, 'Oh, toxic energy in *Dancing With the Stars*,' and that could not be further from the truth," she stated. "Everybody on the show has such a collaborative, supportive atmosphere."

The "toxic" accusations came into the spotlight when Corey Feldman, who was eliminated in the second week of the most recent season, mentioned "behind-the-scenes drama" during an appearance on the *Gurvey's Law* radio show in November. However, Feldman later clarified that he was referring to the external hate and rumors, not the show itself. "Everyone associated with the showfrom my fellow cast members to the pros, crew, and production teamhas treated me with nothing but kindness, support, and respect," he told *People* on November 22. "The issues I was referring to have nothing to do with the show itself. They relate to the outside commentary, rumors, and individuals who are no longer directly involved with *DWTS* but still feel entitled to weigh in and create unnecessary drama."

The issue of negativity surrounding the show has sparked more conversation, but the core sentiment remains: the people involved with *Dancing With the Stars* continue to feel a supportive and positive environment on set, despite the external online hate. Sharna Burgess summed it up by acknowledging the balance between admiration and criticism in the world of popular television.