Whoopi Goldberg Unleashes Fury on ABC for Casting Convicted Con Artist on 'Dancing With the Stars'

The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg has vehemently criticized ABC for including Anna "Delvey" Sorokin, a convicted fraudster, in the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars. Goldberg questioned the decision, citing the network's stance on immigration and the mistreatment of families affected by ICE policies.

Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of the daytime talk show "The View," has ignited a firestorm of controversy by publicly expressing her outrage over ABC's decision to cast Anna "Delvey" Sorokin, a convicted con artist, in the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars. Goldberg's blistering remarks have sparked a heated debate about the ethics of the network's decision and the broader issue of immigration enforcement.

Goldberg's criticism stems from Sorokin's history of defrauding millions of dollars from financial institutions and New York's elite. She was convicted in 2019 on multiple charges of theft and grand larceny, serving 17 months in prison before being released on probation in 2022. Sorokin's release was conditional on her continued house arrest, which she has violated by agreeing to participate in Dancing With the Stars.

Whoopi Goldberg Unleashes Fury on ABC for Casting Convicted Con Artist on 'Dancing With the Stars'

In a particularly impassioned segment on The View, Goldberg questioned the fairness of giving Sorokin a platform while families continue to face hardships due to strict immigration enforcement. "I think back to the families who have had family members arrested by ICE who have gone to the courts to get their dad or their brother or their mother back, and this woman, they gave her permission to go do this," Goldberg said. She further suggested that the decision reflects a "two-tiered system" that favors certain individuals over others.

Goldberg's fellow co-hosts expressed similar sentiments, with Joy Behar questioning why Sorokin is allowed to remain in the country despite her criminal record. Sunny Hostin highlighted the fact that Sorokin still owes money to her victims and warned that "con artists tend to remain con artists." Alyssa Farah Griffin cautioned the other contestants to be wary of Sorokin's presence.

Whoopi Goldberg Unleashes Fury on ABC for Casting Convicted Con Artist on 'Dancing With the Stars'

The decision to cast Sorokin has been met with a mixed reaction from the public. Some argue that Sorokin's past does not disqualify her from participating in the competition, while others believe that her inclusion sends the wrong message about the severity of her crimes. Goldberg's outburst has added fuel to the fire, forcing ABC to defend its decision.

In response to Goldberg's criticism, ABC News released a statement saying that it "supports the artistic and creative decisions of the producers of Dancing With the Stars." The network further stated that Sorokin's participation in the show is not an endorsement of her past actions.

Whoopi Goldberg Unleashes Fury on ABC for Casting Convicted Con Artist on 'Dancing With the Stars'

The controversy surrounding Sorokin's casting has highlighted the complex intersection of entertainment, justice, and immigration policy. It remains to be seen what impact this episode will have on the future of Dancing With the Stars and the wider public discourse on these issues.