When I first heard the news that Anna Delvey, the infamous “SoHo Grifter,” was going to be on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), I was left speechless. I mean, we’re talking about someone who scammed New York’s elite out of millions, now strutting her stuff on national TV! It’s almost too wild to believe.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
I wasn’t the only one shocked. The announcement set social media on fire. People either couldn’t believe the audacity, or they were oddly fascinated by this strange collision of crime and celebrity culture. But there was one voice that stood out above the rest: Whoopi Goldberg. Her reaction was a mix of disgust and disbelief, and, honestly, I get it. Whoopi is never one to mince words, and this time, she didn’t hold back.
The Outrage of Whoopi Goldberg
On The View, Goldberg didn’t hesitate to voice her outrage. With the fiery passion she’s known for, she questioned how someone with Delvey’s background could even be considered for a show like DWTS. After all, this is a woman who was convicted for stealing massive amounts of money while pretending to be a high-society socialite. Goldberg reminded viewers that this wasn’t just some small mistake or a youthful mishap. This was a calculated con that left people devastated, both emotionally and financially.
And Whoopi wasn’t just upset that Delvey was on the show; she was furious at the larger message this sends. It felt like a slap in the face to those who’ve been impacted by similar scams or financial fraud. As Whoopi put it, “What are we glorifying here? Is this what we want to celebrate now?”
Why DWTS Took the Risk
DWTS is no stranger to controversy. They’ve had polarizing figures on the show before, but this might just be the most shocking. It’s clear that the producers knew exactly what they were doing. Anna Delvey is a name that guarantees headlines. Whether people love her or hate her, they’re going to watch, and that’s exactly what the show wants—eyeballs on the screen, no matter the cost.
But at what point does it go too far? Should a convicted criminal, someone who manipulated her way through society’s upper echelons, be given a platform like Dancing with the Stars? It’s a moral gray area, and honestly, it’s left a lot of people questioning the state of our entertainment industry.
The Public Reaction: A Mixed Bag
On one hand, there are fans who think this is a fascinating redemption arc. They believe that everyone deserves a second chance, and that Delvey’s appearance on DWTS is just that—a chance to rebuild her life. They’re intrigued to see how this notorious figure will perform under the spotlight.
On the other hand, there’s a large group who are completely disgusted. They view Delvey’s inclusion on the show as glorifying criminal behavior. To them, it feels like we’re rewarding someone for doing something awful. And this group includes some pretty high-profile people, like Whoopi Goldberg, who simply can’t stay silent.
Where Does This Leave Us?
As I watched this unfold, I couldn’t help but feel torn. On one level, I get why DWTS did it. It’s about ratings, it’s about keeping people talking, and Anna Delvey is the type of person who can do just that. But then there’s the other side, the part that feels uncomfortable with the idea of giving someone like Delvey a platform, especially when we know the damage she’s caused.
Whoopi Goldberg’s outrage is a reflection of a deeper discomfort that many of us feel. Where do we draw the line between entertainment and ethics? And what does it say about us as viewers when we tune in to watch someone with such a dark past?
At the end of the day, Anna Delvey’s stint on DWTS is a gamble—both for the show and for her. Time will tell whether it pays off, or if it ends up being another chapter in her notorious legacy. But one thing is for sure: as long as she’s in the spotlight, people like Whoopi won’t stop speaking out.
