What's happened
Anna Delvey, the convicted con artist, will compete in the upcoming season of 'Dancing With the Stars' while under house arrest. Delvey, known for her fraudulent activities as Anna Sorokin, has received special permission from ICE to participate in the show, raising questions about privilege and justice.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Anna Delvey's casting in 'Dancing With the Stars' has sparked criticism from hosts of The View, particularly Whoopi Goldberg, who questioned the fairness of her privilege. Goldberg stated, 'I think back to all the families who’ve had family members arrested by ICE,' highlighting a perceived double standard in the justice system. In contrast, Business Insider notes that Delvey's participation reflects a broader trend in media where controversial figures gain platforms, suggesting that her story resonates with audiences despite her criminal background. This duality in public opinion illustrates the complexities surrounding fame and accountability in today's society.
How we got here
Anna Delvey, whose real name is Anna Sorokin, gained notoriety for defrauding banks and hotels, leading to her conviction in 2019. After serving time, she was released to house arrest in 2022 and has since become a media figure, particularly after Netflix's 'Inventing Anna' showcased her story.
Common question
More on these topics
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Anna Sorokin is a Russian-born German convicted fraudster. Between 2013 and 2017 she pretended to be a wealthy German heiress under the name Anna Delvey in order to defraud banks, hotels, and wealthy acquaintances.
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Dancing with the Stars is an American dance competition television series that premiered on June 1, 2005, on ABC. It is the US version of the UK series Strictly Come Dancing, and one of several iterations of the Dancing with the Stars franchise.
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Entertainment Weekly is an American monthly entertainment magazine based in New York City, published by Meredith Corporation, that covers film, television, music, Broadway theatre, books, and popular culture.
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The View is an American talk show that was conceived by broadcast journalist Barbara Walters. In its 23rd season, the show has aired on ABC as part of the network's daytime programming block since August 11, 1997.