Anna Delvey’s Controversial Casting on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: Why Season 33 is Sparking Debate
The announcement that Anna Delvey, the infamous fraudster behind Netflix’s Inventing Anna, would be competing in the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) has caused a wave of controversy. The news, revealed ahead of DWTS Season 33, has stirred a national conversation, with The View hosts vocalizing their concerns about her participation. While some see Delvey’s inclusion as part of her redemption story, others argue that it reflects deeper issues around privilege and accountability in the media.
This blog explores the controversy, breaking down The View’s reaction, Anna Delvey’s criminal background, and the larger public backlash that followed the decision.
Anna Delvey Dancing with the Stars: A Controversial Casting Choice
The news of Anna Delvey’s Dancing with the Stars casting caught many by surprise. Delvey, born Anna Sorokin, rose to infamy for defrauding wealthy New Yorkers by pretending to be a German heiress. After serving time in prison, she became a media sensation, largely due to the Netflix series Inventing Anna. Now, she is set to dance alongside celebrities and athletes, sparking heated debates over her eligibility to be on such a high-profile show(AOL.com)(Heavy.com).
Delvey’s casting for Dancing with the Stars Season 33 quickly became a trending topic, with critics pointing out that the show’s standards for casting have fallen. One Reddit user commented, “She’s not even a star? She’s a convicted con artist and thief”(Heavy.com). The general sentiment is that DWTS has pushed the boundaries too far by casting someone whose claim to fame is rooted in fraud.
The View Hosts Anna Delvey: Strong Reactions from the Table
The View’s hosts, known for their candid discussions on pop culture and politics, did not hold back on their opinions regarding Anna Delvey’s participation in DWTS. During a September 8 episode, Whoopi Goldberg, Sunny Hostin, and the rest of the panel expressed concerns over the show’s decision, questioning what kind of message it sends to viewers(AOL.com).
Whoopi Goldberg was particularly vocal, criticizing how Delvey, a convicted felon, has been granted permission by ICE to remain in the country and participate in a reality competition. “I think back to all the families who’ve had family members arrested by ICE,” Goldberg said, noting the disparities in how different cases are handled. Sunny Hostin chimed in, pointing out that Delvey has shown little accountability for her actions, stating, “She still owes people money, and con artists tend to remain con artists”(AOL.com).
This discussion highlighted deeper issues surrounding privilege in the U.S. justice system. The fact that Anna Delvey, a convicted fraudster, could be allowed such an opportunity while others face harsher consequences for lesser crimes struck a chord with many viewers.
Anna Delvey’s Criminal Background: From Fake Heiress to Reality TV Star
To fully understand the backlash, it’s important to examine Anna Delvey’s criminal background. Between 2013 and 2017, Delvey defrauded banks, hotels, and wealthy individuals in New York, posing as a German heiress with a $60 million fortune. She was eventually arrested and convicted of grand larceny and theft of services, leading to a prison sentence(AOL.com).
Her story captured public attention, but not for the reasons one might expect. Instead of fading into obscurity after serving her time, Delvey’s notoriety grew thanks to the media. The Netflix series Inventing Anna catapulted her into the spotlight, turning her fraudulent exploits into entertainment.
Her post-prison life, however, has been far from a traditional redemption arc. Critics argue that Delvey has continued to benefit from her criminal past, monetizing her infamy rather than showing true remorse. For many, her inclusion in DWTS signals a lack of accountability and raises concerns about the glorification of criminal behavior.
Dancing with the Stars Backlash: Public Reaction and Ethical Concerns
The public reaction to Anna Delvey’s casting on DWTS has been largely negative, with many expressing frustration over the decision. Critics argue that giving Delvey such a platform rewards her past behavior and undermines the show’s credibility. The backlash has been so strong that social media platforms like Reddit have been flooded with comments questioning the ethics behind her inclusion(Heavy.com).
A common theme in the criticism is the concern over how DWTS continues to cast controversial figures to boost ratings. As one user put it, “I’m sick of them casting controversial contestants because 1) it shows a lack of morals, and 2) it gives the pros absolutely no chance to go far in this show”(Heavy.com). The sentiment suggests that many longtime fans feel the show’s focus has shifted away from genuine talent and entertainment to sensationalism.
In addition to the backlash, some fans worry about the impact Delvey’s presence could have on other contestants. The idea of professional dancers being paired with someone with such a checkered past raises questions about the overall environment of the show and whether it is sending the right message to viewers.
Whoopi Goldberg and Sunny Hostin: Taking a Stand on Privilege
In their discussion on The View, Whoopi Goldberg and Sunny Hostin honed in on a key issue: privilege. Both women were quick to point out that Delvey’s criminal past and continued presence in the media are indicative of how society handles certain individuals differently based on their background. Hostin, a former prosecutor, was particularly critical of how Delvey continues to benefit from her crimes, noting, “She committed another crime, and what is the consequence? A federal bejeweled ankle monitor and a spot on a television show”(AOL.com).
Goldberg expanded on the theme of privilege by drawing attention to the immigration system. Delvey, a Russian national, has faced deportation, but her ability to remain in the U.S. and appear on a reality TV show contrasts starkly with the experiences of many immigrants. “There’s a two-tiered system here with ICE,” Goldberg said, sparking a larger conversation about fairness in the immigration system(AOL.com).
Anna Delvey’s Immigration Battle and ICE Controversy
The controversy surrounding Anna Delvey’s immigration status has also played a significant role in the ongoing debate. After overstaying her visa, Delvey faced deportation by ICE. However, she has been granted permission to stay in the U.S., leading to further criticism of how the legal system treats individuals differently based on their status and media presence(Heavy.com).
Whoopi Goldberg’s remarks about the disparity in how Delvey’s case has been handled resonated with many viewers, especially as immigration remains a highly contentious issue in the U.S. For some, Delvey’s ability to participate in DWTS despite her legal troubles is emblematic of a system that privileges wealth and notoriety over justice.
Dancing with Controversy
Anna Delvey’s casting on Dancing with the Stars has opened up a floodgate of criticism, highlighting deeper societal issues around privilege, accountability, and media representation. As The View hosts pointed out, Delvey’s participation raises ethical concerns about how society rewards certain individuals despite their criminal pasts.
While some may see Delvey’s inclusion as an opportunity for her to redeem herself, many others view it as yet another example of how infamy can be monetized in today’s media landscape. Whether or not Delvey’s presence will impact the show’s ratings remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Dancing with the Stars Season 33 is already shaping up to be one of the most controversial in the show’s history.
For more insights on media ethics and cultural discussions, visit Regent Studies for a deeper look into how media influences public perception.
To read more about Anna Delvey’s legal troubles and media presence, check out this article on Anna Delvey’s immigration status.
