US equivalent of Strictly under fire after controversial star casting - details

Virgin Radio

5 Sep 2024, 15:53

Dancing with the Stars, the US equivalent to Strictly Come Dancing, is facing controversy after casting a con artist as one of its celebrity competitors.

The popular reality TV talent show which airs on ABC in the US has angered many of its fans after it revealed yesterday (4th September) that Anna Sorokin will be taking part in the next series.

Sorokin, about whom the Netflix series Inventing Anna was based, is a con artist who was convicted of conning banks, hotels and many individuals after she pretended to be a wealthy German heiress called Anna Delvey.

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After her arrest in 2017, Sorokin was found guilty of eight charges including second-degree grand larceny, theft of services, and first-degree attempted grand larceny in 2019.

Having served only three of her 12 years in prison, the con artist was released for good behaviour in 2021. However, the Dancing with the Stars newcomer remains under house arrest, and so will have to compete in the competition while sporting her ankle bracelet.

Sorokin’s signing to the show was announced on Good Morning America, with a press release describing her as a “notorious ankle bracelet fashionista" making it clear the programme is pulling no punches when it comes to promoting who they’ve got on the show.

Promotional photos of Sorokin ready to take part in Dancing with the Stars also advertise her house arrest status by prominently featuring her ankle tag, and her signing to the show is something which has angered a lot of regular viewers.

Taking to social media over the past 24 hours, many have called for fans to boycott the show due to it choosing to have Sorokin take part.

“I am not watching it this season because I am not interested in watching criminals, who hurt people, thrive,” one concerned viewer penned on Reddit. “Thank you. Hers was not a victimless crime. It is gross that they are giving her a platform,” a second person added.

“Idk if they’re trying to get more attention or what, but casting people like her is trashy. I used to love this show,” a third comment left on the forum post said, meanwhile a fourth fan reflected: “What a poor choice of casting. We can say no though and we need to start putting our foot down. They are nothing without viewers, so don’t watch until she’s gone.”

Dancing with the Stars is available to watch on Disney+ in the UK.