Seema Khaneja MD
Updated on: October 16, 2024 7:43 pm GMT
After a surprising exit from the current season of “Dancing With the Stars,” Anna Delvey, also known as Anna Sorokin, is expressing her dissatisfaction with the show’s treatment of her. Her elimination on September 24 has sparked a wave of criticism from Delvey, who claims the competition was exploitative and only sought to boost its own ratings.
Delvey’s Critique of the Show
In her remarks to NBC News, Delvey characterized the experience as predatory, stating that producers had no intention of allowing her to succeed. “I feel that the show so obviously used me to drive up the ratings, that they never had any plans to give me any chance to grow and only cared about exploiting me for attention,” she said. Her partner, Ezra Sosa, faced a similar fate, with the duo eliminated alongside actress Tori Spelling and dancer Pasha Pashkov.
During her exit from the show, Delvey’s response to co-host Julianne Hough’s question about what she would take away from the competition was blunt: “Nothing.” She later elaborated on “Good Morning America,” mentioning that she found her elimination to be her favorite part of the experience.
Insights from Spelling’s Podcast
Delvey revisited her “nothing” statement while appearing on Tori Spelling’s podcast, “misSPELLING,” on September 28. She explained that her comments were a reflection of the disappointing reality of the show. “You guys told me what I’m supposed to do. I tried to do it and then I still was rejected. And, I’m taking away nothing,” she insisted. Delvey felt that the coaching and advice given to her were ineffective, and the whole process seemed more like a setup for failure than a legitimate chance to compete.
She also highlighted her belief that their early elimination was a strategy aimed at embarrassing her and Spelling, noting, “It felt like a waste of time.”
The Controversy Surrounding Delvey’s Participation
Delvey’s presence on “Dancing With the Stars” raised eyebrows from the public and critics alike due to her criminal history. Arrested in 2017 for posing as a wealthy heiress, she defrauded banks and individuals out of significant sums. Her past included convictions for grand larceny in multiple degrees. Despite this, showrunner Conrad Green defended her casting, admitting her history made her a compelling figure.
“I think there is an inherent curiosity about her. She’s very into the world of fashion, and those kinds of things, so I think she’ll actually present very well as a dancer,” Green stated before the season began.
Public Reaction and Show’s Response
Support for Delvey’s complaints has been mixed. Some see her comments as valid criticisms of reality television’s often harsh treatment of contestants. Others maintain that her participation was an opportunity for redemption and personal growth. As the backlash against her treatment grows, the show remains silent, with Variety reaching out to Disney and ABC for comments.
The discussion surrounding Delvey’s appearance on the show brings to light broader conversations about the ethics of reality TV. How much responsibility do producers have for the mental well-being of contestants, especially those with troubled pasts?
Looking Ahead
As “Dancing With the Stars” continues, the focus remains on the performances of the remaining contestants. However, Delvey’s thoughts on her elimination serve as a reminder of the complex dynamics that unfold in reality television. Viewers may wonder how her story will evolve outside the spotlight of the dance floor.
Ultimately, Delvey’s experience raises important questions about exploitation within competitive entertainment and the balance between personal growth and public scrutiny. Whether her claims will lead to any changes in how reality shows operate remains to be seen.
We will learn more about the entertainment world soon. Keep an eye out for updates on Delvey’s story after her surprising exit from the dance competition!
