DANCING With The Stars’ Carrie Ann Inaba has hit back at Anna Delvey’s ‘dismissive’ elimination remark that shocked viewers.
Viewers fumed that her partner Ezra Sosa, 23, “deserves better” as the convicted con artist, 33, failed to show appreciation for all his work over the past few weeks.
DWTS’ Carrie Ann Inaba has hit back at Anna Delvey’s ‘dismissive’ elimination remark[/caption]
The convicted con artist failed to show appreciation for all her partner’s hard work[/caption]
Anna had replied, “Nothing,” when asked by host Julianne Hough what she was taking from her experience, leaving ballroom pro Ezra visibly taken aback.
The fake heiress has now come under fire from judge Carrie, 56, who has been left disappointed by her lack of “gratitude”.
She told Entertainment Weekly: “I was taken aback by her comment when asked what she learned from being on the show, and she flatly said, ‘Nothing.’
“That was dismissive not only of the opportunity she was given, of her wonderful and supportive partner Ezra in his debut season, but also of all of us who work on the show-from the dancers to behind the scenes to the creative team.
“We all put in the effort to give her a fair opportunity. But I don’t think she could see that and it’s a shame. A little gratitude could have changed the narrative.”
For their final performance, the pair danced the quickstep to KT Tunstall’s Suddenly I See, with Ezra poking fun at her stern personality by holding up the corners of her mouth.
Tori Spelling and Pasha Pashkov were also given the boot in the double elimination.
Earlier in the episode, Anna’s friend Julia Fox made a guest appearance, explaining that her tough exterior is simply a “defense mechanism.”
Backstage, however, she was spotted with a broad grin, seemingly unbothered by her departure from the competition.
TENSE PARTNERSHIP?
Anna may have been relieved that her time was up – following our report that she had been rubbing Ezra the wrong way.
An insider explained the infamous fake heiress – who served nearly four years in prison on theft-related charges before her release in 2021 – has been “focused on herself” instead of acting as part of a DTWS team.
“There is a lot of tension between Anna and Ezra, and it is growing by the day,” the insider exclusive told The U.S. Sun.
“Certainly the cause of much of it is that Anna seems less focused on collaboration and more focused on herself.
“She can be negative too about what she can achieve with dances, even though she keeps telling everyone she is a hard worker.
“Ezra has been frustrated because he really wants to make an impact as the new kid on the block at DWTS.”
TOO GOOD FOR REALITY TV?
Anna has also acted as though the ABC reality show is “beneath” her, the insider claimed.
“She has a mindset of promoting herself as ‘ambitious,’ treating this like a stepping stone to something bigger.
“Production members say that her attitude makes it feel like she acts as if the show is beneath her.
“There is a sense it is all about Anna’s world, and what is important to Anna, not anyone else.
“Dancing is a collaboration and to succeed, partners need to be in tune.”
The talented Ezra, who was promoted from a troupe member to a professional for Season 33, is “focused on going far in the competition,” despite Anna’s attitude.
“Ezra brings the energy, excitement and excellent ability every minute of every day,” the source said.
“He is doing his best to push Anna to achieve better performances, knowing that can get them further in the competition.”
Anna, who wears an ankle bracelet as she faces deportation back to her native Germany, has also complained about relocating to Los Angeles from New York.
“Another dampener in their relationship is that Anna complains about being in Los Angeles. She openly told him and production that she prefers New York many times,” the source added.
“She compares everything to NYC, always in the negative.
“Given she defrauded people in her past with her poise, charm and personality, so far those traits have not yet been seen.
“She is considered cold and awkward in conversations. She knows that she is an outsider within the cast, but has not made too many strides to try to make friends.
A rep for DWTS did not respond to a request for comment.
DANCE ‘DISS’
On the show’s premiere, fans noticed that Anna appeared to snub Ezra with an unplanned departure from her routine.
At the beginning of their dance to Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso, Anna walked alone ahead of Ezra down the stage, leaving him only able to throw up his hands in dismay before following her lead.
Many took the move to be an attempt to take the spotlight solo.
“She made a creative choice on the fly and it just didn’t work,” one viewer said.
“She’s so unserious, I was wondering if it was a bit, but watching this back I’m so dead. LMAO his face,” a second viewer chimed in.
STAYING POSITIVE
Despite his rumored feelings about Anna, Ezra has put on a brave face to the show’s fans, sharing videos of the two rehearsing together.
On Monday, the pro took to Instagram to defend his partner against show fans who want to vote her off as soon as possible.
“Hoping everyone gives Anna some grace,” he told fans.
“She’s working so hard to start fresh, and we’re only just getting started.”
Viewers fumed that Ezra Sosa “deserves better”[/caption]
