Dancing With the Stars alum Cheryl Burke responded after posting a social media video featuring a gunshot sound in light of the recent tragedy in Minnesota.
“I want to take a moment to acknowledge something very important. Less than an hour ago, I posted a transition video that included the sound of a gun,” Burke, 41, wrote in a Thursday, August 28, Instagram statement. “At the time, I was completely unaware of the horrific school shooting that took place [yesterday] in Minneapolis at a Catholic school.”
She continued, “Out of respect for the lives impacted, I have already taken that post down. I want to be clear … that does not erase the reality that my post could have caused pain, discomfort or even retraumatization for those affected by [the] tragedy. For that, I am deeply sorry.”
An armed shooter opened fire on the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis on Wednesday, August 27. Two children were killed in the incident, with 17 others injured. The suspected shooter died at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to a statement from the local authorities.
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Burke, for her part, had initially uploaded her “transition” video to share her glam routine. The post has since been deleted.
“I never want my content — no matter the intent — to feel careless or disconnected from the world we live in,” she said. “I take full responsibility for what I put out into the world, and this is a reminder for me to always pause, reflect and be more mindful of the timing and impact.”
Burke further offered her “heart and prayers” to the shooting victims, their families and “the entire community mourning this unimaginable loss.”
“I know words cannot undo harm, but I hope this message makes clear that I am holding myself accountable and moving forward with more awareness and sensitivity,” Burke continued on Thursday. “Thank you to those who hold me to a higher standard — it’s one I also want to hold myself to.”
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In a separate caption, Burke repeated her apology.
“I’m deeply sorry for my earlier post,” she said. “I was unaware of the tragic school shooting in Minneapolis today and have since removed it. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected.”
Burke has previously been candid about her attempts to be transparent with fans online.
“I’ve also chosen this path [with my career in the public eye], and I want to empower others and normalize mental health issues. Whether people think I overshare, again, none of my business,” she told Us Weekly in a cover story earlier this month. “I believe I was given this platform because I can be open about my issues. If I don’t voice it, if I don’t take accountability over how I feel. … I know I’m helping at least one other person feel like they’re not alone.”
