Controversial Participation on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Sparks Debate

“Dancing With the Stars” has become the center of attention due to its decision to feature Anna Delvey, a convicted scammer, as a contestant on the show. Delvey, whose real name is Anna Sorokin, received permission from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to participate in the dancing competition despite her legal restrictions. This has led to significant backlash from the public, although Delvey remains unfazed, stating that there is little danger in her participating poorly in the program.

Conrad Green, the showrunner of “Dancing With the Stars,” addressed the criticism by highlighting that the show has previously featured contestants with criminal histories who have served their time. Green expressed confidence that viewers are curious to see Delvey’s performance, emphasizing that she is allowed to be on the show following her legal obligations.

In her first performance, Anna Delvey performed a cha-cha alongside professional dancer Ezra Sosa, accompanied by the song “Nonsense” by Sabrina Carpenter. Sporting a bedazzled ankle monitor, Delvey acknowledged her past involvement in grand larceny but hoped to showcase a different side of herself through her participation in the competition. Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough awarded her 18 out of 30 points for her performance.

Judge Carrie Ann Inaba noted a distinct shift in the atmosphere upon Delvey’s entrance to the dance floor and encouraged the audience to focus on Delvey’s dancing rather than her past actions. Despite garnering mixed reactions, Delvey expressed relief that she would not have to repeat the same dance but is prepared to move on to the next performance without eliminations occurring in the first episode.

The show debuted successfully without any eliminations, bringing together a new ensemble of celebrities in pursuit of the prestigious Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough returned, alongside judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough. Highlights of the night included performances by Chandler Kinney and Dwight Howard, who impressed the judges with their skills, achieving top scores for their routines.