DWTS’s Cheryl Burke speaks out about her divorce from Matthew Lawrence

‘I’ve realised there isn’t an easy way to announce that my marriage is ending’

Amber Raiken
New York
Thursday 24 February 2022 21:08 GMT
Comments
(Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Sandals Resorts)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Dancing With The Stars pro dancer Cheryl Burke has now spoken out about her recently filed divorce from actor Matthew Lawrence.

In an Instagram post shared on 25 February, Burke, 47, broke her silence about her split from the Boy Meets World star, 42, detailing how difficult it is to publicly talk about.

“I know I have always said that I’m an open book with you guys, I do strive to be, and in writing this I’ve realised there isn’t an easy way to announce that my marriage is ending,” she wrote. I hope you can understand that I will not be commenting any further at this time and am asking for understanding and privacy.”

“Thank you all for all the kind words & support you’ve given me,” she added. “Love you all.”

In the comments, the dancer received words of encouragement and love from her friends and her co-workers.

“Choosing what you need to do for you needs no explanation to anyone,” Carrie Ann Inaba, one of the judges on  DWTS,  wrote. “You know you. I’m proud of you for being brave…. I love you and support you and you are not alone my friend.”

“Love you babe,” Cody Rigsby, Burke’s partner on season 30 of the show, commented.

Burke and Lawerence’s breakup was first publicly announced on 23 February by TMZ. According to documents obtained by the publication, Burke listed 7 January 2022 as their date of separation, and they have a prenuptial agreement arranged. In regards to the reason why they split, Burke cited this as “the usual irreconcilable differences.”

Burke and Lawrence first meet in 2006 during a season of Dancing with the Stars where Lawrence’s brother, Joey, was competing. And off the bat, they had a strong connection.

“There was an attraction right away,” Burke told People in 2019. “But we were both really young.”

And while they started a relationship shortly after their first introduction, they broke things off after a year. However, they rekindled their romance in 2017 and got married in May 2019.

“Matt brings out the best in me,” Burke explain to People at the time, days before their wedding. “He enjoys every moment and that helps me appreciate life even more.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in