Anna Delvey's special treatment on 'DWTS' causing unrest among other contestants behind the scenes
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Anna Delvey's participation in the latest season of 'Dancing With the Stars' has sparked controversy both publicly and behind the scenes, with some dissatisfaction reported among other contestants.
A source close to the production exclusively told In Touch Weekly, “Anna has an interesting criminal backstory that became a huge hit series on Netflix and created this cloud of mystery and intrigue around her.”
“She’s a wild character, and the DWTS team loves it when these little forest fires spring up around casting decisions,” they added.
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Anna Delvey receives ‘extra security and special scheduling’ on 'DWTS'
However, the insider also mentioned that the “reality is that DWTS has never really worked with anybody like her before, and they are approaching the situation with caution behind the scenes.”
They further explained, “Anna has been given extra security and special scheduling considerations because she is somebody who people send threatening messages to online all the time."
"DWTS is all about stunt casting, and they love it when there’s an uproar over one of their choices, but they are approaching this situation with care,” the source added.
Anna Delvey's presence is reportedly 'good' for 'DWTS'
However, the special treatment given to Anna Delvey has reportedly caused issues, with other stars expressing disappointment.
The source said, “The rest of the cast need to understand that even though Anna is being given special treatment and an outsize share of the spotlight, it’s good for the show overall because it brings more eyeballs to the episodes.”
“As edgy as Anna’s history is, it gets people invested in the storyline of this season,” they added.
Anna Delvey wants to show people a 'different side' of her
Meanwhile, as the first episode of 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 33 aired on Tuesday, September 17, Whoopi Goldberg voiced criticism of Anna Delvey's participation.
She reportedly said, “I think back to all the families who’ve had family members arrested by ICE, who have gone to the courts to get their dad or their mother or their brother back.”
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“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?” she asserted.
However, Delvey stated on the reality show, “I served my time, and Dancing With the Stars is my opportunity to show people a different side of me.”
“I hope that [for] everybody who feels negatively, I will be able to turn their opinion around. I’ve reinvented myself many times, and this time I’m going to be a ballroom dancer,” she added.
