Braxton Berrios Addresses Absence at Alix Earle’s DWTS Performances

Braxton Berrios has responded to criticism regarding his absence from ex-girlfriend Alix Earle’s performances on *Dancing With the Stars*. The Houston Texans wide receiver faced backlash after he missed several episodes of the show, where Earle competed, ultimately finishing in second place alongside her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy.

On December 11, 2023, Berrios, 30, took to Instagram to address the situation. He shared a series of photos of himself and included the caption, “What did I miss?” Fans quickly filled the comments with their observations, including one user who pointedly remarked, “Every single performance of Alix’s.” This comment highlighted Berrios’ absence from the audience, where Earle received cheers throughout her time on the show.

In his defense, Berrios explained that his NFL commitments prevented him from attending. “I would’ve been at every one if I could’ve, sadly I can’t travel like that in season,” he stated. His comments came after Earle and Chmerkovskiy were edged out by Robert Irwin and Witney Carson during the *Dancing With the Stars* finale on November 25, 2023.

Despite the split, Berrios expressed his support for Earle in a prerecorded video. “I’ve watched you pour everything into this since the moment it has started, and I think it shows,” he said. “Good luck. Have fun, babe.”

Sources confirmed to *Us Weekly* on December 6 that Berrios and Earle ended their two-year relationship. An insider revealed, “Majority of their relationship was long-distance and it was hard for them to navigate. They mutually agreed on the split.”

Earle, 24, initially denied her relationship with Berrios when they became linked in May 2023. By November, she openly acknowledged their connection, celebrating their one-year anniversary on social media. “To the person who taught me to love wholeheartedly … happy 1 year,” she wrote, adding that Berrios had become much more than just her best friend.

Earlier this year, Earle shared insights about their future plans, indicating that they often discussed what lies ahead. “We always talk about our future,” she told *Us Weekly* 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 also drew attention. Earle recounted the moment during a September 2023 appearance on the “Hot Mess” podcast, describing a Great Gatsby-themed party where an acquaintance directed her to Berrios. “I go right up to him, I shove my hand in his face and I say ‘You,’” Earle recalled. Their playful exchange set the stage for their eventual relationship.

As both Berrios and Earle move forward, the impact of their breakup and the pressures of public life remain in focus. The conversation around their relationship highlights the challenges faced by couples in the public eye, particularly when balancing careers and personal life.