On a recent episode of ABC’s The View, host Whoopi Goldberg and fellow panelists Sunny Hostin and Alyssa Farah Griffin expressed their disapproval of Anna Delvey, the convicted con artist and fake heiress, participating in the upcoming season of Dancing With The Stars.
The discussion began after the hosts viewed a clip of Delvey and her dance partner Ezra Sosa joking about decorating the ankle monitor she is required to wear. Delvey claims to have received permission from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to appear on the show. Goldberg voiced her concerns for families affected by ICE, questioning the fairness of allowing Delvey this opportunity. She remarked, “I think back to all the families who’ve had family members arrested by ICE, and this woman, they gave her permission to go do this? Is there a two-tiered system with ICE?”
Delvey was convicted in 2019 for grand larceny and other offenses after posing as a German heiress and defrauding various individuals and businesses. After two years in prison, Delvey was released on parole, only to be apprehended by ICE for overstaying her VISA. Last year, following an appeal, she was placed under house arrest with an ankle monitor.
In her remarks about the competition, Delvey quipped, “What’s the worst that can happen? They’re going to arrest me for dancing badly?”
Hostin pointed out the implications of Delvey’s past actions, noting that she defrauded many people, served time for her crimes, and then faced additional legal issues for her immigration status. She criticized the seeming light consequences Delvey is receiving now, highlighting the contrast with those who have faced serious repercussions.
Griffin addressed the comparison between Delvey and other individuals who have found redemption after serving time, insisting that true rehabilitation involves taking responsibility. She expressed skepticism about Delvey’s intentions, saying, “Con artists tend to remain con artists,” and advised caution to her fellow cast members.
The conversation concluded with Goldberg expressing frustration over the notion that Delvey’s attractiveness seemed to be influencing her second chance, prompting her to question the broader implications for those struggling to navigate the immigration system. She emphasized the need to support those genuinely seeking to rebuild their lives.