Television February 15, 2011
Cheryl Burke to 'Extra' on Painful Secret: 'He Was a Family Friend'
Breaking her silence for her first TV interview, "Dancing with the Stars" trouper Cheryl Burke talks to "Extra's" Adrianna Costa about the man who molested her when she was 5 years old. "He was a family friend. He would be the one I cuddled and sat next to and watched television," Burke reveals.
Cheryl decided to go public with her painful story in her new book, "Dancing Lessons," which is also an account of her lifetime struggle with her body image, and the travails of enduring two abusive exes. "I had no self-esteem. I had no self-confidence."
The dancer also recalled gaining 10 pounds and receiving negative attention from the media. "And then the next day I had to go and perform in front of millions of people in skimpy outfits." During that time, Burke revealed she did not have the support of Max and Louie, her co-stars on "Dancing." "That was very hurtful, but we are at peace now and everything is fine."
Burke went on to tell Adrianna that she has "a good feeling" she will be back for season 12 of "DWTS," but has yet to find out who her new partner will be. The new cast will be announced on February 28.
"Dancing Lessons" is in bookstores now.
