The latest season of Dancing with the Stars kicked off with a mix of excitement, drama, and controversy. Fans were left buzzing after one particular contestant made her entrance, drawing attention for reasons that extended far beyond her dance moves. The unexpected appearance of a sparkling ankle monitor on the dance floor has left viewers divided and sparked heated conversations online.
But why has this one accessory created such a stir? Let’s explore the story behind the contestant at the center of it all and why her presence on Dancing with the Stars has ignited such strong reactions.
The Controversial Contestant: Anna Delvey’s DWTS Debut
In the latest episode of Dancing with the Stars, 33-year-old Anna Delvey made her much-anticipated debut. Known for her checkered past, Delvey—real name Anna Sorokin—captivated viewers for reasons that had nothing to do with her Cha Cha routine. Alongside professional dancer Ezra Sosa, Delvey performed to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso,” but it wasn’t her footwork that caught the audience’s attention—it was her dazzling ankle monitor.
Delvey strutted onto the dance floor wearing a colorful ombre outfit paired with the sparkling ankle monitor, which she cheekily decorated with a bow. This bold accessory instantly became a focal point, both during her performance and in the pre-recorded rehearsal footage, where she tripped over the device. Her partner, Sosa, humorously remarked, “That ankle monitor is kind of inhibiting you today,” adding a lighthearted touch to the moment.
Why Fans Are Outraged
While some viewers found the situation amusing, many fans were not happy with the show’s decision to feature Delvey, particularly with such a controversial accessory on display. The ankle monitor, typically associated with legal supervision, brought the conversation of Delvey’s criminal past to the forefront of the episode.
Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba addressed the situation directly, urging viewers to focus on Delvey’s dancing rather than her past. She stated, “Let’s all just give this a chance. I’m not pro, or for, against anything that you’ve done. But this is about your dancing here.” Despite Inaba’s neutral stance, the internet didn’t quite agree.
Anna Delvey: From Convict to Celebrity
For those unfamiliar with Delvey’s story, she first gained notoriety in 2017 when she was exposed as a con artist. Delvey, originally from Russia, crafted an elaborate lie, pretending to be a wealthy German heiress. She successfully infiltrated New York City’s elite social circles, living a lavish lifestyle and scamming friends, hotels, and banks out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Julianne Hough, the contestant, and Ezra Sosa on “Dancing with the Stars” on September 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
In 2019, Delvey was convicted of multiple charges, including grand larceny and theft of services, for defrauding approximately $275,000 from various institutions and individuals. She was sentenced to 15 years in prison but was released early for good behavior in early 2021.
Though she remains under ICE supervision due to her immigration status and is on house arrest, Delvey’s infamy has only grown. Her story even inspired a Netflix mini-series, Inventing Anna, which further thrust her into the limelight.
Fan Reactions: Divided Opinions on Delvey’s Appearance
Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, Alfonso Ribeiro, the contestant, and Ezra Sosa on “Dancing with the Stars” on September 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Not surprisingly, Delvey’s participation on Dancing with the Stars has caused an uproar online. Fans and viewers took to social media to voice their opinions, and the reactions were mixed. Some found her appearance entertaining, especially with the glamorous ankle monitor, while others were outraged that she was given a platform despite her criminal history.
One viewer commented, “The ankle monitor will go down in history.” Another sarcastically wrote, “Wait… that ankle monitor is real?? WHO IS THIS WOMAN?”
A close-up of the contestant’s ankle monitor during a performance on “Dancing with the Stars” on September 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
However, not everyone was amused. One person tweeted, “The whole thing is just disgusting.” Others expressed disappointment that Delvey was included in the competition, with one user stating, “She must go in the first week… bad example for young people.”
A Polarizing Presence: Why the Backlash?
The contestant and Ezra Sosa on “Dancing with the Stars” on September 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
So, why has Delvey’s appearance sparked such strong reactions? For many, it boils down to the fact that a convicted fraudster is being glorified on national television. The ankle monitor, a physical reminder of her criminal past, has become a symbol of her continued notoriety rather than remorse.
Critics argue that Delvey’s presence sends the wrong message, especially to young viewers. The idea that someone with such a controversial past can transition into the world of celebrity and be celebrated on a popular TV show is unsettling for many. In a world where public figures often serve as role models, Delvey’s inclusion in the competition has raised concerns about glorifying illegal behavior.
The Judges’ Take on Delvey’s Performance
While the controversy swirled online, the Dancing with the Stars judges seemed to take a more neutral approach to Delvey’s performance. Bruno Tonioli made a lighthearted remark, suggesting that Delvey was “reinventing Anna once again,” while Derek Hough remained relatively speechless, admitting that she had potential on the dance floor.
Anna Sorokin photographed at the Manhattan Supreme Court on May 9, 2019, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
The judges’ comments focused on her ability to perform rather than her controversial past, in line with Carrie Ann Inaba’s earlier statement about judging based solely on dancing skills.
The Debate Over Criminals in the Spotlight
Delvey’s participation on Dancing with the Stars highlights a broader issue in entertainment: the ongoing fascination with criminals-turned-celebrities. From reality shows to documentaries and Netflix series, there’s no denying that audiences are drawn to stories of deception, scandal, and redemption. But when does this fascination cross a line?
Ezra Sosa and his dance partner appear on “Dancing with the Stars” on September 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Delvey’s inclusion in the show raises ethical questions about how society views rehabilitation and fame. While some believe that she has paid her debt to society and should be given a second chance, others argue that she is benefiting from her criminal behavior in ways that undermine the gravity of her actions.
Conclusion: A Controversy That’s Not Going Away Anytime Soon
The arrival of Anna Delvey on Dancing with the Stars has undoubtedly created one of the most polarizing moments in the show’s history. Whether viewers are entertained, disgusted, or simply intrigued, Delvey’s appearance has reignited the conversation about morality in entertainment.
As the competition progresses, it remains to be seen whether Delvey will be able to win over the audience with her dance moves or if her past will continue to overshadow her every step. One thing is clear—her sparkling ankle monitor and the controversy surrounding her are not going to fade from the spotlight anytime soon.
