Television
'Dancing With the Stars' Siren Cheryl Burke Accused of Cheating, Again
By Dylan Vox

Mar 27, 2008

Cheryl Burke

This week on the hit show Dancing with the Stars, tennis sensation Monica Seles and Las Vegas performer Penn Jillette got the boot on Tuesday night’s double elimination, but it was the professional dancers themselves who came under fire. Insiders have reported that several of the professionals, including the wildly popular Cheryl Burke, were having their dance routines choreographed by outside sources.  

Dancing has gained great popularity over the past six seasons and is currently competing with American Idol as the number one rated reality show on television. The success of the show has propelled the celebrities to new heights and has provided a platform for the professional dancers to demonstrate their talents.  

While the show suggests that the professionals devise each routine for their celebrity, this week, gossip site TMZ.com reported that they are receiving unseen help when creating their performances. TMZ staffers stated, “Our spies—and they're unimpeachable—tell us many of the routines are arranged by outside choreographers, especially when it comes to the "younger, less experienced" professional dancers, like Burke, Kym Johnson, Derek Hough, and his sis Julianne.”  

A rep for Burke released a press statement saying that the accusations were blatant lies, and that she choreographs each routine, including many of the group numbers.  

Not denying the rumor, ABC spokespersons simply stated that there were no rules against getting outside help.  

Burke, 23, who has won the competition twice and has been a popular mainstay on the show since its sophomore season, has also come under media scrutiny after allegations surfaced that she was having an affair with married former partner 98 Degrees alum Drew Lachey.  

Burke empathically denied the rumors. She told TV Guide, “The story is completely false. And absurd. I'm just glad that I have friends that stick by my side and know the truth.”  

Burke explained that she was deeply upset by the rumors because they were affecting Lachey’s family. She stated that his wife Lea has been a good friend and has traveled with the group on all of the tours, but was unable to this season because of the couple’s new baby.  

Burke told Extra, “Dancing is a close sport and it's a sensual thing. Rumors, rumors, rumors. People love that. The tabloids love that. What can you do? You know, you just kind of have to keep living your life.”