Braxton Berrios has responded to criticism regarding his absence from Alix Earle’s performances on *Dancing With the Stars*, attributing it to his ongoing commitments with the NFL. The Houston Texans wide receiver, aged 30, faced scrutiny from fans after missing several episodes of the popular reality show, where Earle, 24, competed.
On December 11, 2023, Berrios took to Instagram to share a lighthearted post, captioning it, “What did I miss?” This prompted a flurry of comments, with one follower pointing out his absence during Earle’s performances. In his defense, Berrios stated, “I would’ve been at every one if I could’ve, sadly I can’t travel like that in season.”
Earle and her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, finished the season in second place, losing to Robert Irwin and Witney Carson during the finale on November 25, 2023. Despite not being in attendance, Berrios expressed his admiration for Earle’s dedication in a pre-recorded video, stating, “I’ve watched you pour everything into this since the moment it has started, and I think it shows. Good luck. Have fun, babe.”
Their relationship, which lasted for two years, has drawn attention, especially following reports of their split confirmed by multiple sources to *Us Weekly* on December 6. An insider shared that the couple faced challenges primarily due to the long-distance nature of their relationship, stating, “Majority of their relationship was long-distance and it was hard for them to navigate. They mutually agreed on the split.”
Earle initially denied her relationship with Berrios when they were first linked in May 2023 but later confirmed it in November of the same year. In a heartfelt Instagram post for their anniversary, she wrote, “To the person who taught me to love wholeheartedly… You have become so much more than my best friend and partner.”
Earlier this year, Earle spoke about their future plans, indicating they were focused on their careers while enjoying their time together. “We always talk about our future,” she noted in February. “Right now, we’re so focused on our careers that we live in the moment and don’t rush into anything.”
The couple’s initial meeting, described by Earle in a podcast appearance, was memorable. She recounted how she approached Berrios during a Great Gatsby-themed party, boldly stating, “You wanted to meet me.” This encounter set the stage for their whirlwind romance, which has captivated fans and followers alike.
As both Berrios and Earle navigate their respective careers and personal lives, their story continues to resonate with audiences, highlighting the complexities of relationships in the public eye.
