Anna Delvey And The DWTS Finale: The Drama That Almost Wasn't (Or Was It?)
Anna Delvey, the notorious fake heiress and convicted con artist, has a knack for making headlines, and her brief stint on Dancing with the Stars Season 33 was no exception. From the moment she stepped onto the ballroom floor, she brought a unique brand of controversy that captivated, and perhaps bewildered, viewers. But as the season drew to a close and the highly anticipated finale approached, a persistent rumor began to circulate: Anna Delvey wouldn't be allowed to attend. This news sent ripples through the fan community, breaking a long-standing DWTS tradition. Yet, in a twist as unexpected as Delvey herself, the story took another turn, leaving fans and followers with burning questions about what truly transpired.
The Uninvited Guest: Why Anna Delvey Was Reportedly Banned from the DWTS Finale
For weeks leading up to the Season 33 finale of Dancing with the Stars, reports were rife that Anna Delvey, whose real name is Anna Sorokin, would not be making an appearance. This wasn't just a casual absence; sources strongly suggested she was actively excluded from the guest list. Radar Online, citing an insider, stated that Anna "allegedly won’t be appearing during the Season 33 DWTS finale." The sentiment was clear: "Anna Delvey should not expect to receive a phone call from Dancing With the Stars to return to their stage. RadarOnline.com can exclusively reveal that viewers won't be seeing the [her]."
A Break from Tradition
The exclusion of a past competitor from the finale is a significant departure from the show's long-standing customs. Traditionally, all the celebrities who competed during a season return for the grand finale. It's a moment for reunion, reflection, and often, a final group dance or a chance to cheer on the finalists. Anna Delvey's reported absence meant breaking this cherished tradition, raising eyebrows and fueling speculation among the show's dedicated fanbase.
The Drama Factor: The Alleged Reason Behind the Ban
The primary reason cited by insiders for Anna's alleged ban was a desire to avoid "drama." According to sources, DWTS executives were reportedly keen to prevent any potential disruption or controversy that Anna might stir up. An inside source reportedly shared, "They just didn’t want the drama that Anna could stir up." Another report echoed this, stating that "Fake heiress Anna Delvey has not been invited for ABC's 'Dancing With The Stars' finale to avoid 'drama that she could [stir].'"
Her time on the show, though brief, was indeed marked by controversy. From her unique personality to her unexpected elimination in Week 2, Anna Delvey was a "controversial competitor." Her exit itself was described as "scandalous" by many viewers. It appears that DWTS execs "reportedly didn’t want Anna Delvey back in the ballroom under any circumstances," fearing the potential for her to overshadow the finale or create unwanted headlines that detracted from the main event.
A Controversial Competitor
Even before her alleged ban from the finale, Anna Delvey had already cemented her place as a figure who consistently drew attention, for better or worse. Her participation in DWTS Season 33 was met with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. While on the show, she became a talking point, and her elimination sparked considerable discussion. Fans were "certain that if the claim [of a ban] had merit, it was because Anna spoke" out or created some form of disturbance. Her very presence seemed to be a magnet for discussion, and it was this very quality that producers seemingly wanted to avoid at the finale.
The Stunning Twist: Did Anna Delvey Actually Return?
Despite the overwhelming reports and strong indications that Anna Delvey was persona non grata at the DWTS Season 33 finale, a surprising turn of events unfolded. While initial reports, including a "very persistent rumor that Anna had been 'banned' from the DWTS Season 33 finale," dominated the narrative, later information suggested a different reality. The subject of the Netflix series, Anna Delvey, did indeed make some form of appearance. One piece of data even stated, "Ex-convict Anna Delvey is making a surprising return to 'Dancing With The Stars' despite reports that ABC executives had banned her from the ballroom."
This apparent contradiction left many bewildered. How could she be banned and yet "return"? The most definitive statements suggest that Delvey, 33, "returned for the season 33 finale on Tuesday, November 26, where she..." (though the sentence is incomplete in the provided data, it confirms her presence). It's plausible that her "return" wasn't in the traditional sense of a full-fledged participant in group dances or on-stage segments, but perhaps for an interview or a brief appearance that didn't involve active participation in the finale's core performances.
Further supporting her presence, Anna Delvey "exclusively spoke to Page Six after Tuesday’s “Dancing With the Stars” Season 33 finale, where she dished on her “nothing” response, Thanksgiving plans, partner Ezra." This interview unequivocally confirms her proximity to the event and her ability to comment on it post-show, indicating she was indeed there, at least in some capacity. She also appeared as a guest on Tori’s podcast, misSPELLING, to discuss their DWTS elimination, further showcasing her continued engagement with the show's aftermath.
Anna's Post-DWTS Reflections (Or Lack Thereof)
Perhaps one of the most telling aspects of Anna Delvey's post-DWTS engagement is her seemingly indifferent attitude towards the experience. When asked what she missed about being on Dancing With the Stars, her response was characteristically blunt: "Nothing. Nothing." This stark, unapologetic sentiment encapsulates much of the persona that likely contributed to the executives' initial desire to keep her away from the finale. Her candidness, while perhaps refreshing to some, could also be perceived as unpredictable and potentially disruptive in a live television setting.
Her remark following her elimination was equally "surprising savage," further highlighting her unique and often controversial approach to public life. It seems that even after her time on the dance floor concluded, Anna Delvey continued to be a figure who defied expectations and stirred the pot, making her a challenging presence for show producers aiming for a smooth, drama-free finale.
Final Summary
The saga of Anna Delvey and the Dancing with the Stars Season 33 finale is a fascinating case study in media management and celebrity controversy. Initial reports strongly indicated that the notorious con artist was banned from attending the finale due to concerns about her potential to "stir up drama," a decision that would have broken DWTS tradition. However, in a surprising turn, later information confirmed her presence, albeit perhaps in a limited capacity, with Delvey herself speaking to the press after the event. This narrative highlights how Anna Delvey consistently manages to remain in the spotlight, whether by invitation or by simply defying expectations, ensuring that her story, much like her personality, is never truly predictable.

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