Former "Dancing with the Stars" contestant Anna "Delvey" Sorokin alleges the show used her as a ratings ploy, denying her a fair chance to compete. Despite her progress, she claims to have been unfairly scored and treated by the judges and viewers.
Former "Dancing with the Stars" contestant Anna "Delvey" Sorokin has ignited controversy by accusing the show of exploiting her for ratings. Sorokin, a convicted felon known for posing as an affluent heiress, claims the show never intended to nurture her growth or give her a genuine opportunity to succeed.
In an email to NBC News, Sorokin expressed her frustration: "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."
Anna Delvey's Uncomfortable Truth: Exploited by 'Dancing with the Stars' for Ratings
Sorokin believes she was cast solely to boost viewership, with no genuine intention to support her journey. She alleges that the judges' nonsensical scoring and the viewers' bias against her hindered her progress. "It’s supposed to be a dance competition and not a popularity contest," she emphasized.
Her ankle monitor, a constant reminder of her past legal troubles, became a focal point of discussion. While some viewers were outraged by its presence, Sorokin embraced it, working with her dance partner, Ezra Sosa, to incorporate it into her costume.
Anna Delvey's Uncomfortable Truth: Exploited by 'Dancing with the Stars' for Ratings
During an interview with Tori Spelling on her podcast, Sorokin reiterated her frustrations. "It felt like a waste of time for me to just do all of this. For them to just discard me so easily," she said.
Her elimination from the show sparked further controversy when she bluntly responded "Nothing" to questions about what she had learned from the experience. Sorokin explained her honest answer, stating that the advice she received did not yield results.
Anna Delvey's Uncomfortable Truth: Exploited by 'Dancing with the Stars' for Ratings
Despite her allegations, Sorokin remains determined to move past her mistakes and start a new chapter in her life. "I’m trying to start a new chapter moving past mistakes I made and regret when I was much younger," she said.
However, she laments the lack of support she has received, claiming that people continue to persecute her, hindering her efforts to rebuild her life.
Anna Delvey's Uncomfortable Truth: Exploited by 'Dancing with the Stars' for Ratings
Sorokin's accusations have reignited discussions about the ethics of casting reality television shows. Critics argue that while ratings are important, the well-being and fair treatment of contestants should be paramount.
The show and ABC have not yet commented on Sorokin's allegations.
Anna Delvey's Uncomfortable Truth: Exploited by 'Dancing with the Stars' for Ratings
