Sharna Burgess Breaks Her Silence on ‘DWTS’ Toxicity Claims

For a show built on sequins, smiles, and standing ovations, Dancing With the Stars found itself wading through unexpected controversy this season.

The usually upbeat ballroom became the center of a heated conversation when whispers of “toxicity” began circulating online — whispers loud enough to catch fans off guard and push longtime pro Sharna Burgess to finally speak out.

Season 34 had barely ended when the chatter started snowballing. Corey Feldman’s early elimination stirred the pot after he suggested the environment behind the scenes was “toxic,” a word rarely — if ever — associated with a show whose cast members often gush about how much of a it feels like.

His comments clashed with years of positivity from dancers and celebrities who described the set as supportive, warm, and tightly knit. And as the contradiction spread, confusion among viewers only grew.

Sharna Burgess Steps In

Rather than let speculation spiral, Sharna decided to address the issue head-on. Her response didn’t tiptoe around the topic; it cut straight through the noise — and pointed the finger in a direction many didn’t expect.

“I’ve never heard of this but I’m gonna have to assume The fandom (some not all obvi). 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. On the flip side so is the online love and adoration. It’s the ying and yang.. the balance I guess. Where there are more people that love something there will also be more people that don’t.”

Her message made one thing clear: she doesn’t believe the cast, crew, or production are the problem.

In her view, the show remains exactly what insiders have described for years — a place filled with professionals who love what they do. Instead, she says the negativity comes from outside the ballroom.

Where the Real Toxicity Lies

According to Sharna, the tension fans were sensing wasn’t coming from the dance floor at all — it was coming from the internet swirling around it.

Season 34 saw an unusual spike in online hostility: harsh comments, aggressive debates, and fan-driven drama that spiraled beyond normal critique. And with DWTS having such a passionate fanbase, the “yin and yang,” as she puts it, has grown louder than ever.

To her, the fandom now exists in extremes. One side is filled with viewers who love the show wholeheartedly.

The other side has become increasingly hostile, quick to tear down contestants, judges, or decisions they disagree with. And it’s that vocal minority, she suggests, that feeds the narrative of a “toxic” environment — not the show itself.

The Bigger Picture

Sharna’s perspective reframes the entire conversation. Instead of blaming the production or contestants, she highlights a modern reality many public-facing shows are struggling with: online culture. The internet can amplify love just as quickly as hate, and DWTS is feeling both with equal force.

Her comments don’t erase Corey Feldman’s claims, but they offer crucial context — a reminder that what viewers see on social media doesn’t always reflect what happens behind the scenes.

In Sharna’s eyes, the ballroom isn’t broken. The problem is what happens once the cameras stop rolling and the conversations move online.

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