Season 33 of “Dancing with the Stars” (DWTS) spun onto screens with a celebrity cast as diverse as a box of assorted chocolates. From seasoned actors to Olympic athletes and fashion mavens, the lineup promised a captivating season. Among the glittering names like Ezra Sosa, Stephan Nedoroscik, and Rylee Arnold, one contestant stood out for reasons far beyond the dance floor: Anna Delvey.
For those unfamiliar, Anna Delvey, or Anna Sorokin as she was legally known, became a global headline for her audacious financial schemes. Prior to her DWTS debut, many viewers, and even the author of the original article, were in the dark about Delvey’s past. However, her casting ignited a firestorm of online chatter as news of her convictions resurfaced. As reported by Today, Delvey was found guilty on multiple counts, including attempted grand larceny and theft services, stemming from her elaborate cons in Manhattan’s elite circles. This naturally led to questions: Why would DWTS, a family-friendly entertainment show, invite such a controversial figure onto their stage?
Adding another layer of intrigue, Delvey herself seemed less than enthusiastic about her DWTS experience. In a candid interview with Entertainment Weekly, when asked about her favorite aspect of being on the show, her blunt response was “Getting eliminated.” This statement raises eyebrows. If her heart wasn’t in it, why step into the ballroom in the first place? Was it purely for publicity, a strategic move to further her notoriety, or was there another motive behind her participation?
Delvey’s journey on DWTS wasn’t just about her controversial persona; it also involved navigating the challenging world of ballroom dance. She faced the critical eyes of the judges, including the formidable Carrie Ann Inaba. After receiving feedback, Delvey reportedly retorted, as mentioned by Entertainment Weekly, that the judges’ advice was “worthless” because it didn’t prevent her rejection. Inaba, understandably, responded with disappointment. Soap Central quoted Inaba calling Delvey’s remark “dismissive” and disrespectful to the opportunity, her partner Ezra Sosa, and the entire DWTS team. This exchange highlighted a perceived lack of engagement and appreciation from Delvey towards the DWTS experience.
However, amidst the swirling controversy, a positive narrative emerged in the form of Delvey’s partnership with Ezra Sosa. Season 33 marked Sosa’s debut as a professional DWTS dancer, and he was paired with a contestant unlike any other. Despite the baggage that came with Delvey’s name, Sosa adopted a remarkably positive and supportive approach. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Sosa acknowledged Delvey’s past, stating, “I know what she did was really controversial and not right and I can never justify that for her or for anyone in her life.” Yet, he chose to focus on the present and future, offering Delvey a second chance on the dance floor.
In their performances, Delvey and Sosa tackled demanding dances such as the Cha-Cha and the Quickstep. While dance expertise wasn’t Delvey’s forte, Sosa’s encouragement and choreography aimed to showcase her in the best possible light. Their partnership became a talking point, emphasizing themes of second chances and the power of positivity, even in the unlikeliest of pairings.
Ultimately, Anna Delvey’s time on “Dancing with the Stars” was brief. She and Ezra Sosa were eliminated early in the season. While her participation sparked debate and her attitude raised eyebrows, the season also highlighted the contrasting personalities and the inherent drama that reality TV thrives on. Whether Delvey deserved her spot on DWTS remains a matter of opinion. However, the season undeniably added another layer to her already complex public image and provided a platform for conversations about redemption, second chances, and the ever-blurred lines of celebrity culture.
