The announcement of Anna Delvey’s participation in the upcoming season of ABC’s Dancing With the Stars has sparked controversy, particularly among the hosts of The View. Delvey, whose real name is Anna Sorokin, gained notoriety as a convicted fraudster who posed as a wealthy German heiress, deceiving Manhattan’s elite out of significant sums of money. Her story was famously adapted into Netflix’s Inventing Anna, starring Julia Garner and produced by Shonda Rhimes.
Released from prison in 2021 after serving a four-year sentence, Sorokin is currently under house arrest while fighting her deportation. Her decision to join the reality dance competition, which she announced after receiving permission from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has stirred a wave of criticism.
On Thursday’s episode of The View, the hosts voiced their displeasure with the casting decision and the circumstances surrounding it. Whoopi Goldberg was particularly vocal about her concerns, questioning the fairness of the situation. “I think about all the families who have had loved ones detained by ICE and have struggled to get them back,” Goldberg said. “And now this woman is given permission to participate in a high-profile TV show. Is there a double standard here with ICE?”
Sunny Hostin echoed Goldberg’s sentiments, expressing frustration over Delvey’s legal history and the perceived leniency she has received. “She defrauded countless people and served time for her crimes, only to face additional legal issues for overstaying her visa. Now she’s getting a reality TV slot and a bejeweled ankle monitor,” Hostin said. “What message does this send about accountability?”
Hostin also raised concerns about the lack of visible consequences for Delvey’s actions. “I’m all for redemption stories, but they should come after a genuine acknowledgment of wrongdoing. It seems like Delvey hasn’t fully owned up to her past,” she noted.
Joy Behar suggested a provocative idea: “Maybe ABC should consider a spinoff called Dancing With the Felons,” she quipped, reflecting on the broader implications of Delvey’s casting.
Alyssa Farah Griffin joined the discussion, emphasizing her support for redemption arcs only when individuals have shown true remorse and responsibility. “I’m open to redemption stories, but they need to be accompanied by genuine accountability,” Griffin said. “From what I see, Delvey hasn’t made full restitution or admitted all her wrongs.”
Goldberg also took issue with what she perceived as an unfair advantage given to Delvey, suggesting that her appearance on the show could be seen as a slight against those who have faced struggles due to immigration policies. “It feels like a slap in the face to those trying to rebuild their lives and to families torn apart by these issues,” Goldberg added.
Despite the backlash, Delvey’s participation in Dancing With the Stars is set to proceed, with the show’s producers and network standing by their decision. The controversy highlights ongoing debates about justice, celebrity, and the consequences of criminal behavior in the public eye.
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