Cheryl Burke Claims Chris Harrison Blocked Her from Joining ‘The Bachelorette’

Cheryl Burke and Chris Harrison Getty Images (2)

Cheryl Burke confronted the reason for her absence from The Bachelorette during her guest appearance on Chris Harrison's podcast. On the latest episode of "The Most Dramatic Podcast Ever" aired on Monday, October 23, the 39-year-old dancer revealed that she was informed by producers that Harrison himself had vetoed the idea of having her on the show.

Burke questioned if the person had blocked something, to which the former host of the franchise clarified that it was not their decision. They expressed disbelief at being given so much power to choose the Bachelor or Bachelorette. Harrison, who left the franchise in 2021, mentioned that he didn't have as much influence as viewers might assume. He stated that the producers would never grant him that level of authority publicly. However, he was occasionally asked for his opinion on potential candidates such as Emily Maynard or Jason Mesnick, and he would provide his input.

Burke claimed that Harrison allegedly vetoed her participation in the show and rudely referred to her as a "sloppy drunk." In response, Harrison admitted finding these rumors amusing upon initially hearing them. (We contacted ABC for comment.)

Furthermore, the former Dancing With the Stars professional dancer asserted that producers attributed the decision to Harrison without his awareness. Although Burke did not specify the timing of the conversation, her personal life garnered attention last year due to her separation from Matthew Lawrence.

Matthew's older brother, Joey Lawrence, participated in season 3 of Dancing With the Stars in 2007, the same year Matthew and Burke began dating. Their relationship ended a year later but was revived in 2017.

In January 2022, Burke filed for divorce, and after eight months, the divorce was officially settled. Matthew has now found happiness with TLC's Chilli and is eagerly looking forward to their future together.

"That's our plan, to have children. It's our goal," he shared with Entertainment Tonight in March. "I am truly flourishing in life right now. Being able to spend time with someone as incredible as Chilli is a new and special experience for me. She holds a very dear place in my heart."

Matthew also expressed admiration for the 52-year-old singer and her parenting of her son, Tron, 26, with ex Dallas Austin. "She is an exceptional individual," he told E! News during the same month. "Already a mother who has raised an extraordinary son, I deeply respect how she has nurtured him. If we were to have children together, she would undoubtedly be a remarkable mother once again. However, that is something for the distant future."

Burke openly endorsed Matthew's relationship with Chilli after being impressed by her ex's positive remarks.

During her appearance on Harrison's podcast in March, Burke shared, "We discussed this topic when we were still together, considering his extensive family background. Freezing my eggs was also part of the conversation. I genuinely wish him the best... I wholeheartedly hope they are able to start a family together. It's truly remarkable, and I know it's something he has always desired."

Burke, on the other hand, is prioritizing her mental well-being as she reenters the dating world. In an exclusive interview with Us in May 2022, she emphasized the importance of believing in and loving herself enough to recognize that she deserves a genuine and kindhearted partner. She is determined to retrain her thoughts, shifting the focus from wondering why she attracts certain types of men to understanding why certain individuals repel her. Her approach involves actively staying present, self-aware, and mindful of her own value. However, she acknowledges that there is still work to be done in this journey of self-discovery.