Braxton Berrios has publicly defended his absence from Alix Earle’s performances on *Dancing With the Stars*, attributing it to his commitments with the NFL. The Houston Texans wide receiver faced criticism from fans for not attending the shows, especially as he and Earle recently ended their two-year relationship.
On December 11, 2023, Berrios took to Instagram to address the situation. He shared a series of photos and captioned them, “What did I miss?” This playful post sparked a wave of comments from followers, including one that pointedly noted, “Every single performance of Alix’s.” In response, Berrios explained, “I would’ve been at every one if I could’ve, sadly I can’t travel like that in season.” His comments highlight the challenges that come with balancing professional obligations and personal relationships.
Earle, 24, competed in the 34th season of *Dancing With the Stars*, ultimately finishing in second place. She and her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, were narrowly defeated by Robert Irwin and Witney Carson during the finale on November 25, 2023. Despite his absence, Berrios expressed his support for Earle in a prerecorded 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.”
The couple’s split was confirmed by multiple sources to *Us Weekly* on December 6, 2023. An insider revealed that the majority of their relationship was long-distance, making it difficult for them to maintain a connection. “They mutually agreed on the split,” the source noted, signaling a mutual understanding rather than a contentious end.
Earle first linked to Berrios in May 2023, though she initially denied they were dating. It wasn’t until November 2023 that she publicly acknowledged their relationship, sharing heartfelt sentiments on social media. In a tribute for their one-year 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 in the year, Earle had spoken about their future together, indicating that they were both focused on their careers while remaining open to what lay ahead. “We always talk about our future,” she remarked in February. The couple seemed to enjoy a supportive partnership, with Earle describing Berrios as someone who did not fear discussing their future plans.
Reflecting on their initial meeting during a Great Gatsby-themed party in February 2023, Earle recounted a humorous encounter where she boldly introduced herself to Berrios. “I go right up to him, I shove my hand in his face and I say ‘You.’ He looks at me like I have six heads,” she recalled, a moment that seemed to set the stage for their dynamic relationship.
As both Berrios and Earle navigate this transition, fans continue to express their thoughts and support for the former couple on social media, highlighting the public’s interest in their story.
