Anna Delvey's dance partner, Ezra Sosa, are pleading for compassion from viewers as the convicted fraudster was lambasted for her first performance on 'Dancing With the Stars'.
- September 25, 2024
AceShowbiz - Anna Delvey, born Anna Sorokin, known for her controversial past as a fake German heiress, is finding the public spotlight unforgiving as she competes in Season 33 of "Dancing With the Stars". Her dance partner, Ezra Sosa, has openly shared the emotional toll this backlash has taken on Delvey.
In a heartfelt TikTok video, Sosa, who is making his debut as a professional dancer on the show, thanked fans for their support but highlighted the stark contrast in the reception Delvey is receiving. "On my end, I was feeling so much positivity, but on my partner's end, she wasn't receiving the same," Sosa revealed.
The intensity of the backlash became evident when Delvey was found crying in a bathroom after reading negative comments about her. "She was crying. I've never seen her like that, and it broke my heart," Sosa lamented. His commitment to providing Delvey with the best experience possible makes her distress even more heartbreaking for him.
Delvey's criminal past includes defrauding wealthy individuals, banks, and businesses out of more than $250,000, leading to her conviction in 2019. While Sosa acknowledged the controversial nature of Delvey's actions, he emphasized that the person he sees in rehearsals is vastly different from the media portrayal.
"I know what she did was really controversial and was not right," he shared, "But this person that I'm truly just falling in love with every single day in rehearsal isn't the person that everyone sees in the media."
Despite the harsh criticism, Sosa, along with some show judges and producers, believes Delvey deserves a second chance. "No one deserves the amount of hate she is getting right now," he stated.
The showrunner of "Dancing With the Stars," Conrad Green, defended the decision to cast Delvey by highlighting her compelling story and the curiosity it generates among viewers.
However, the show's history of casting controversial figures, such as Sean Spicer and Olivia Jade Giannulli, has not sat well with everyone. "DWTS" alum Maksim Chmerkovskiy recently criticized the inclusion of Delvey, calling her a "professional liar."
As Sosa continues to support Delvey, he remains hopeful that the audience will witness her dedication and growth on the dance floor. "She has stepped up to the plate," he added, urging viewers to tune in and appreciate her progress. "Dancing With the Stars" airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available the next day on Hulu.
