Braxton Berrios has publicly defended his absence from ex-girlfriend Alix Earle’s performances on *Dancing With the Stars*, attributing it to his commitments as a professional athlete. The Houston Texans wide receiver faced backlash from fans after he missed several episodes of the show featuring Earle, who competed in the program’s 34th season.
On December 11, 2023, Berrios took to Instagram to address the situation. He posted a series of photos of himself alongside the caption, “What did I miss?” Fans responded, with one remarking, “Every single performance of Alix’s,” highlighting his absence from the audience cheering for Earle. 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 reflect the challenges athletes face in balancing personal lives with professional obligations.
Earle, 24, partnered with Val Chmerkovskiy on the show and finished as the runner-up, losing to Robert Irwin and Witney Carson in the finale on November 25, 2023. Berrios expressed his admiration for Earle’s dedication, stating in a prerecorded video, “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, after two years of dating. According to an insider, “Majority of their relationship was long-distance and it was hard for them to navigate. They mutually agreed on the split.”
Earle initially denied dating Berrios when they were first linked in May 2023, but later confirmed their relationship in November 2023. In a heartfelt Instagram post for their one-year anniversary, she reflected on their bond, stating, “To the person who taught me to love wholeheartedly… I feel like I have truly found my other half!”
Earlier this year, Earle spoke about their future plans together, emphasizing that their careers took priority, but they remained committed to each other. “We always talk about our future,” she told *Us Weekly* in February 2023. “Right now, we’re so focused on our careers that we live in the moment and don’t rush into anything.”
The couple’s first meeting was recounted by Earle during a September 2023 appearance on the “Hot Mess” podcast. She described how Berrios approached her at a Great Gatsby-themed party and ended up capturing her attention with a bold introduction.
As the public continues to follow both Earle’s and Berrios’ journeys, their recent split has sparked discussions among fans about the pressures of maintaining relationships in the spotlight.
