‘Dancing with the Stars’ Contestant Anna Delvey Calls ABC “Predatory” After Elimination

Anna Delvey, also known as Anna Sorokin, is a name that has sparked considerable debate since her casting on Dancing with the Stars. Delvey gained notoriety as a convicted felon after being found guilty in 2019 of multiple counts of grand larceny and theft while posing as a wealthy German heiress. The backlash against ABC for including her in the show’s season 33 lineup was pronounced, with many viewers expressing outrage. Critics argued that by casting a known con artist, the network was sending the wrong message about glamorizing criminal behavior.

Despite the backlash, Delvey’s inclusion cannot be dismissed outright, as Dancing with the Stars has featured contestants with similar backgrounds in its history.

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However, many felt that her previous actions amplified the moral implications of her presence on the show, especially given her lack of remorse for her past life of deception.

Delvey’s Elimination Expected

Delvey was eliminated early in the competition, alongside fellow contestant Tori Spelling, after a quickstep performance that failed to resonate. Following the announcement of her exit, she delivered a blunt response to host Julianne Hough regarding her experience on the show. When asked what she would take away from the competition, Delvey simply stated, “Nothing.” This candid remark became a talking point among fans and critics alike, leading to a widespread discussion about her attitude.

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The public reaction to her “nothing” comment was swift and divisive. Many viewers expressed disdain, interpreting it as disrespectful. Former pro dancers and various media outlets criticized her seemingly dismissive attitude towards a platform that has talent and artistry at its core.

Allegations of Exploitation

In light of her early departure, Delvey alleged that ABC had exploited her participation to boost ratings rather than offering her a genuine chance for artistic growth. In an email sent to NBC News, she stated, “I feel that the show so obviously used me to drive up the ratings, that they never had any plans to give me any chance to grow.” She characterized her experience as predatory, asserting that the show’s producers disregarded her efforts to improve.

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The network did not immediately respond to her claims. However, the nature of reality television often inherently involves an element of spectacle, where audience engagement is a primary concern. This reality can lead to contestants experiencing pressure to perform and meet certain expectations, resulting in accusations of exploitation.

Despite the negative feedback from the public, Delvey received support from her dance partner, Ezra Sosa. He defended her in a post-elimination Instagram video, urging viewers to show her some grace. He acknowledged Delvey’s emotional struggles and insisted that she genuinely cared about the opportunity presented by the show.

Tori Spelling also echoed similar sentiments post-elimination, describing Delvey as having potential and noting that she was starting to find her rhythm on the dance floor. Although they differed in their performance outcomes, both recognized the toll that external judgments were having on Delvey’s mental well-being.

The media, along with former contestants and choreographers, often framed Delvey’s narrative through a lens of skepticism and criticism. There remains a sharp contrast in how different contestants are perceived based on their backgrounds and public personas.

In summary, the controversy surrounding Anna Delvey’s participation in Dancing with the Stars raises important questions about accountability, representation, and the ethics of reality television. As the industry navigates the fine line between entertainment and exploitation, the audience continues to grapple with the implications of celebrating individuals with controversial histories.

Do you think Anna Delvey deserved to be eliminated from Dancing with the Stars? Let us know in the comments!