It’s that time of year again! Season 33 of the reality dance competition series Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) has just premiered its new season! In this nationally renowned television show, chosen celebrities are given the opportunity to be paired up with professional dancers to train and compete in ballroom dancing!
Amongst all the glitter and shiny costumes, there is some controversy looming in the air regarding this season’s celebrity cast. Convicted con artist Anna Delvey is one of the new additions to the show. There is an ongoing debate about whether someone with this type of background should be allowed to be featured on this television series.
Back in May of 2017, Anna Delvey was found guilty of many counts of grand larceny and theft services. Delvey was sentenced to four years in federal prison during a Manhattan court ruling.
Delvey is the real-life subject of Shonda Rhimes’ hit Netflix series “Inventing Anna.” The 2022 drama miniseries details Delvey’s infiltration of New York’s high society as she poses as a wealthy German heiress. Throughout her journey as a con artist she managed to embezzle $275,000.
On premiere night, Delvey debuted her new ballroom persona during a cha-cha to Sabrina Carpenter’s hit song “Espresso” with her partner Ezra, who is a new professional on the series. Delvey’s appearance on the show has caused a wave of mixed emotions that have been described as a “national outrage.”
At the beginning of the show, Anna Delvey was introduced as an “entrepreneur and fashionista.” The audience’s attention was quickly drawn to the bedazzled ankle monitor on Delvey’s leg. Odd isn’t it? It can be seen that Delvey and her ankle bracelets presence caused an uncomfortable feeling in the ballroom. The ankle monitor is a result of her illegal citizenship in the United States. While in jail, Delvey overstayed her American visa and was therefore placed under house arrest.
Maybe we should ignore Anna Delvey’s past and give her a chance! After her premiere routine, Delvey explains how she would like a chance to show people a different side of her: “I’ve reinvented myself many times. This time I’m going to be a ballroom dancer.”
19 year DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inaba comments on the studio audience’s reaction to Delvey’s debut and says, “There was a shift in energy. Let’s all give this a chance. This is about your dancing here. Let’s all give her that space, please.” Inaba’s heroic statement made great progress in relieving the tension surrounding Delvey. Inaba and the other judges are strong believers that Delvey should be able to showcase her skills without receiving unkind judgment.
A majority of Dancing with the Stars viewers were extremely surprised to hear that DWTS producers reached out to Delvey and extended her the invitation to be on the show, rather than Delvey applying on her own. Many are debating whether it’s okay that the producers involved Delvey in the series and feel very confused as to why DWTS would want to be involved with an individual like Delvey. One of the producers of the show, Conrad Green, explained, “I think it’s perfectly valid for her to be on the show, and I think people have been really curious to see how she performs.” Delvey’s appearance on the show has provided more exposure for Dancing with the Stars. Viewers are rushing to watch the show to get more insight on Delvey’s story and her controversial journey in the ballroom.
Anna Delvey’s appearance on Dancing with the Stars has indeed sparked interest and confusion amongst many audience members and how the looming controversy progresses will be intriguing to spectators. Anna Delvey being the first one eliminated from the series is arguably due to the mega controversy surrounding her history.
