On September 4, ‘Good Morning America’ announced a new season of Dancing With The Stars.
This season, convicted con artist Anna Delvey will join 12 other contestants vying for the mirrorball trophy. The casting decision sparked considerable controversy, but showrunner Conrad Green is standing firm.
Green defended Delvey’s inclusion in Season 33.
He explained to Variety, “We’ve always aimed to feature a diverse range of individuals with different backgrounds and stories.” He continued, “Anna Delvey captivates many people. Her life has been the subject of popular dramas, and there is genuine curiosity about her.”
Delvey, known for her role in a high-profile con, is also familiar with the fashion world. Green believes this experience will intrigue fans. He noted, “She’s an engaging and significant part of the cast. Despite her past issues, we’ve had other contestants with criminal records before. She has served her time.”
Green asserted, “Her presence on the show is valid. People are eager to see her dance.” His comments came as Delvey prepares to join the competition.
Anna Delvey, born Anna Sorkin, gained notoriety by posing as a wealthy German heiress. She used this false identity to defraud affluent individuals, banks, and hotels. Her criminal activities led to her arrest in 2017. In 2019, she was convicted of grand larceny and theft of services.
Delvey’s sentencing ranged from four to 12 years in prison.
However, her sentence was cut short for good behavior, and she was released in February 2021. Following her release, she was detained by ICE for violating her visa terms. Currently, she is under house arrest in New York City while challenging her deportation.
Following the announcement of her casting on Dancing With The Stars, Delvey revealed she received special permission from ICE to participate, provided she continued wearing her ankle bracelet.
The decision to cast Delvey has provoked a strong reaction from the public and commentators.
On September 5, The View moderator Whoopi Goldberg criticized the choice. She said, “I think about the families who’ve fought to get their loved ones back from ICE. And now this woman is granted permission to participate in a TV show. Is there a two-tiered system with ICE?”
Her co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin added her concerns, stating, “I support redemption arcs, but not rehabilitation. I’m not sure Delvey has taken full responsibility for her actions. Con artists often remain con artists.”
Despite the criticism, Dancing With The Stars Season 33 is set to premiere on Tuesday, September 17, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. The episode will also be available for streaming on Hulu the next day.