The latest season of Dancing with the Stars caused quite a stir, leaving fans divided after one contestant performed a shaky cha-cha while wearing a glittering anklet that wasn’t just for fashion—it held a much deeper meaning.
The contestant, unfazed by the awkward silence from the audience, defended herself confidently. “I’ve changed myself many times,” she said, standing tall. “And this time, I’m becoming a ballroom dancer.”
Curious about who caused all this drama on the popular show? Keep reading to find out!
Ezra Sosa’s Challenge
This season marked a major test for Ezra Sosa, who was stepping into the spotlight as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars for the first time. However, he quickly found himself unsure of his partner’s claims about her dance experience. She had told him she had experience in dance, but Sosa wasn’t so sure.
about to dump some #dwts prom pics 🤓🥳 pic.twitter.com/jNA3icQa6K
— Ezra Sosa (@ezra_sosa) October 22, 2022
“She said she did ballet and modern dance,” Sosa shared in an interview, shaking his head with a chuckle. “I don’t think so.”
He wasn’t alone in his doubts. Many people shared his skepticism about his partner’s background.
Meet the ‘Fake Heiress’
The woman stirring up all this controversy? None other than 33-year-old Anna Sorokin, also known by her alias, Anna Delvey. She’s the infamous scammer who posed as a wealthy German heiress, tricking New York’s elite, including some high-end banks and luxury hotels. Her wild story even inspired the hit Netflix series Inventing Anna, where Julia Garner played her character.
— Anna Delvey (@theannadelvey) September 4, 2024
In 2019, Sorokin was convicted of multiple charges of grand larceny for her elaborate cons and was sent to prison. She was released in 2021 for good behavior, but her trouble didn’t end there. After violating the terms of her visa, she was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Now, under house arrest, she wears an ankle monitor to ensure she doesn’t flee the country while she fights deportation to her homeland, Germany.
‘I Was in Jail’
On September 17, the convicted fraudster made waves when she appeared in the first episode of the new Dancing with the Stars season. Introduced to the crowd as a “fashionista and entrepreneur,” Delvey danced the cha-cha with Sosa to Sabrina Carpenter’s catchy tune “Espresso.”
Dressed in a bold mix of blue, purple, pink, and yellow outfits, Delvey accessorized her look with something unusual—a sparkling ankle monitor.
“I overstayed my visa because I was in jail, so it’s hard to leave,” she explained with a laugh during the show. “I served my time…I’ve changed myself many times, and now I’m going to be a ballroom dancer.”
The judges were caught off guard, but they offered surprisingly positive feedback on her performance.
“I’m kind of speechless,” said Derek Hough, shaking his head in disbelief. “You have the potential to be a great dancer. You really do…I was a bit shocked.”
Bruno Tonioli, never one to shy away from a dramatic comment, exclaimed, “Reinventing Anna … once again! And it might just work!”
Meanwhile, Carrie Ann Inaba acknowledged the unusual atmosphere in the room. “I want to say something,” she began, looking out at the crowd. “When you stepped on the dance floor, the energy in the room changed. Let’s give this a chance because I know this must be scary for you. I’m not here to judge what you’ve done. This is about your dancing.”
Viewers Aren’t Impressed
However, while the judges seemed willing to look past Delvey’s history, many fans weren’t as forgiving. Social media erupted with mixed reactions, many criticizing her stiff moves and unfriendly expression during the performance. Others were outraged by the sight of her ankle monitor.
“Ankle monitors are not stylish. She shouldn’t be on this show,” one viewer wrote angrily on DWTS’s Instagram page. Another fan added, “Felons shouldn’t be in the spotlight.”
Some viewers were especially upset by how Delvey was introduced on the show. “Ouch. ‘Fashionista and entrepreneur?’ No…she’s a criminal,” one comment read.
Over on DWTS’s Facebook page, the frustration continued. “Let’s glamorize an ankle bracelet. I’m disgusted,” one fan wrote.
Others were furious at the show itself for casting her. “I’m disappointed in ABC for giving her this platform,” another person said bluntly. “She’s the reason I’m not watching this season, and I’m a loyal viewer. Glamorizing a thief is not okay with me.”
More comments poured in, with one viewer saying, “Good job, DWTS. Anna Delvey shouldn’t have been on this season. Nice choice to decorate her ankle monitor and set a bad example. She’s a felon, for heaven’s sake!”
Another fan added, “Dancers should be role models. This leaves a bad impression, and I won’t watch the show anymore.”
What’s your take on a convicted scammer joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars? Share your thoughts and see what others think!
