"The View" co-host Whoopi Goldberg and her fellow co-hosts have expressed outrage over ABC's decision to cast convicted con artist Anna "Delvey" Sorokin on "Dancing With the Stars." Goldberg questioned the disparity in treatment between Sorokin and individuals held in custody by ICE.
Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of "The View," has vehemently criticized her own network, ABC, for casting convicted felon and con artist Anna "Delvey" Sorokin on "Dancing With the Stars." Sorokin, who is still serving her sentence on an ankle bracelet, is set to perform on the upcoming season.
Goldberg's indignation stemmed from the perceived disparity in treatment between Sorokin and individuals detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). "I think back to the families who have had family members arrested by ICE who have gone to the courts to get their dad or their brother or their mother back," Goldberg said. "And this woman, they gave her permission to go do this. Now, should I think there's a reason? Is there a two-tiered system here with ICE?"
Whoopi Goldberg Slams ABC for Casting Convicted Con Artist on 'Dancing With the Stars'
Sorokin gained notoriety for her elaborate scam in which she pretended to have a 60-million euro fortune, enabling her to live a lavish lifestyle in New York City. Her story inspired the hit Netflix series "Inventing Anna." In 2019, Sorokin was convicted of multiple counts of theft of services, grand larceny, and attempted grand larceny. She was released from federal custody in October 2022 after serving 17 months in prison.
Goldberg's co-hosts shared her sentiment. Joy Behar remarked on Sorokin's attractiveness as a possible reason for her special treatment, while Sunny Hostin condemned Sorokin's previous crimes and questioned the consequences she faced. "She still owes people money," Hostin noted. "And con artists tend to remain con artists."
Whoopi Goldberg Slams ABC for Casting Convicted Con Artist on 'Dancing With the Stars'
Alyssa Farah Griffin advised the other contestants to exercise caution around Sorokin. "She's a young, blonde woman of a certain complexion, and that's probably part of it," Hostin suggested. "Part is that I find fascinating is she got paid $300,000 from Netflix for that series," referring to "Inventing Anna."
The co-hosts' criticism extended to "Dancing With the Stars" producers. "This is a slap in the face of a lot of people who've been trying to make their way back to this country," Goldberg stated. Fox News Digital reached out to ABC News for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Whoopi Goldberg Slams ABC for Casting Convicted Con Artist on 'Dancing With the Stars'
The casting of Sorokin has sparked a wider discussion about the consequences of celebrity status and the potential for offenders to profit from their crimes. Critics argue that giving a platform to individuals like Sorokin sends the wrong message and undermines the justice system.
