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Convicted Felon Claims She Was Used by ABC to Boost Hit Show

Anna Delvey’s casting on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars has generated significant controversy since its announcement. The inclusion of Delvey, a convicted felon known for her grand larceny schemes, drew public outrage. Many viewers expressed discontent, questioning the decision to feature a figure widely recognized for deceitful activities. Comparisons were frequently drawn to past contestants with criminal records, leading to debates about fairness and the treatment of individuals with controversial backgrounds on reality television.

Critics, including prominent voices like Whoopi Goldberg, labeled Delvey’s participation as inappropriate and indicative of a cultural shift towards sensationalism. Despite the uproar, ABC stood by its casting choice, emphasizing the show’s commitment to showcasing a diverse range of personalities. As the season began, fans’ responses reflected a mix of curiosity and disapproval, setting the stage for an emotionally charged competition.

Anna Delvey and Ezra Sousa on Dancing with the Stars
Credit: Screenshot, ‘Dancing with the Stars’, ABC

Related: ABC Star Arrested For Domestic Violence Speaks Out After Charges Are Dropped

Anna Delvey’s Early Exit

Delvey’s time on Dancing with the Stars was short-lived, culminating in her elimination during the first round alongside fellow contestant Tori Spelling. The double elimination shocked many, especially given the mixed reviews of Delvey’s performance. Viewers noted her quickstep routine’s lack of energy, reflected in the scores she received from the judges, which many deemed harsh under the circumstances.

Following her exit from the show, Delvey was candid about her experience, stating she felt her journey had been lackluster. When asked what she would take away from the show, her response—“Nothing”—left both fans and her partner, Ezra Sosa, taken aback. This statement encapsulated her feelings of disconnection and dissatisfaction with the entire experience.

Anna Delvey and Ezra Sosa Dancing with the Stars
Credit: Disney

Accusations of Exploitation

In the aftermath of her elimination, Delvey accused ABC of using her to boost ratings, claiming the network never intended to allow her an authentic opportunity to succeed. In an email to NBC News, she characterized the production team’s approach as predatory, asserting that they manipulated her emotional vulnerabilities for entertainment value. Delvey maintained that she consistently improved her dancing skills, but felt that her progress was overlooked in favor of sensational storytelling.

Her accusation of exploitation stirred a variety of reactions from fans and media alike. Many supported her view that the show prioritized entertainment over fair competition, while others contended that her controversial background rendered her an easy target for scrutiny. Delvey expressed her belief that Dancing with the Stars should focus on dance rather than popularity, underscoring the disparity between her role as a contestant and the expectations placed upon her by the audience and judges.

Anna Delvey, Ezra Sosa, and Julianne Hough on Dancing with the Stars
Credit: Screenshot, ‘Dancing with the Stars’, ABC

Support from Dance Partner

Despite the mounting criticism, Delvey received support from her dance partner, Ezra Sosa. Sosa publicly defended her, urging audiences to reconsider their negative perceptions and to understand the emotional impact of the backlash Delvey faced. In a heartfelt Instagram video, he emphasized that while Delvey may have appeared indifferent, she was deeply affected by the harsh comments surrounding her participation.

Sosa highlighted the struggles she experienced due to the audience’s preconceived notions about her, noting that the intense media scrutiny was an additional challenge to overcome. This support underlined an often-overlooked truth: behind the entertainment industry’s glitzy facade lie real people who endure emotional highs and lows.

Anna Delvey and Ezra Sosa Dancing with the Stars
Credit: Anna Delvey, Instagram

Related: Charges Dropped Against ABC Star Accused of Beating His Wife

As Dancing with the Stars progresses, the debate surrounding Anna Delvey’s participation remains active, sparking conversations about accountability, redemption, and the nature of reality television in a world that constantly seeks sensational stories.

Do you think Dancing with the Stars used Anna Delvey? Or was she rightly eliminated? Let us know in the comments!

Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!

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