Viewers of Dancing with the Stars are fired up after a recent episode, where one contestant’s performance sparked more controversy than applause. The contestant wore a flashy anklet on her right leg during her cha-cha, and while it might have seemed like just another fashion statement, it carried a much deeper meaning.
The crowd watched in silence as she tried to explain herself, saying, “I’ve changed myself many times,” before boldly adding, “This time, I’m becoming a ballroom dancer.”
Want to know who’s stirring up all this drama? Keep reading!
Ezra Sosa’s Tough Start
Ezra Sosa, a professional dancer in his first season on Dancing with the Stars, didn’t exactly get a dream start. His partner claimed she had a background in dance, but Sosa wasn’t buying it.
“She said she did ballet and modern dance,” Sosa explained, but then he laughed and added, “I don’t think so.”
about to dump some #dwts prom pics 🤓🥳 pic.twitter.com/jNA3icQa6K
— Ezra Sosa (@ezra_sosa) October 22, 2022
It wasn’t just Sosa who had doubts. Many viewers and insiders questioned his partner’s claims, and soon it became clear why.
Meet the ‘Fake Heiress’
Sosa’s partner? None other than Anna Sorokin, better known by her alias, Anna Delvey. Sorokin became infamous for posing as a wealthy German heiress, tricking New York’s elite, including socialites, hotels, and banks. Her elaborate con was so shocking it became the basis for the Netflix series Inventing Anna, with actress Julia Garner portraying her.
— Anna Delvey (@theannadelvey) September 4, 2024
In 2019, Sorokin was convicted of several counts of grand larceny and spent time in prison. Though she was released in 2021 for good behavior, her legal troubles didn’t end there. After violating her visa, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took her into custody, and she’s now under house arrest, fighting deportation to Germany.
As a flight risk, she’s required to wear an ankle monitor—yes, the very same one she wore on stage during her performance.
‘I Was in Jail’
On September 17, Sorokin made her shocking debut on the first episode of the new Dancing with the Stars season. Introduced as a “fashionista and entrepreneur,” she took to the floor with Sosa, dancing a cha-cha to Sabrina Carpenter’s song “Espresso.” Both wore matching outfits in vibrant shades of blue, purple, pink, and yellow, but all eyes were on Sorokin’s sparkling ankle monitor.
Unfazed, Sorokin addressed it head-on during the show. “I overstayed my visa because I was in jail, so it’s hard to leave,” she said with a laugh, showing no signs of shame.
“I served my time… I’ve changed myself many times, and now I’m going to be a ballroom dancer,” she confidently declared.
The judges, surprisingly, were impressed. Derek Hough admitted, “I’m kind of speechless. You have the potential to be a great dancer. You really do… I was a bit shocked.”
Bruno Tonioli, ever the entertainer, couldn’t resist a reference to her past. “Reinventing Anna … once again! And it might just work!” he exclaimed.
Carrie Ann Inaba, sensing the tension in the room, took a more empathetic tone. “I want to say something,” she began, turning to Sorokin. “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.”
‘I’m Disgusted’
But while the judges seemed open to giving Sorokin a fresh start, many fans weren’t nearly as forgiving. Social media exploded with outrage, with viewers venting their frustrations over both Sorokin’s performance and her presence on the show.
One person wrote on DWTS’s Instagram page, “Ankle monitors are not stylish. She shouldn’t be on this show.” Another added, “Felons shouldn’t be in the spotlight.”
Criticism of her introduction as a “fashionista and entrepreneur” also poured in. “Ouch. ‘Fashionista and entrepreneur?’ No… she’s a criminal,” someone posted.
On the show’s Facebook page, a frustrated fan commented, “Let’s glamorize an ankle bracelet. I’m disgusted.”
Others were upset with Dancing with the Stars itself for even allowing Sorokin to compete. “I’m disappointed in ABC for giving her this platform,” said one long-time viewer. Another chimed in, “She’s the reason I’m not watching this season, and I’ve been a loyal viewer. Glamorizing a thief is not okay with me.”
The discontent kept coming, with one fan 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 echoed similar feelings: “Dancers should be role models. This leaves a bad impression, and I won’t watch the show anymore.”
What Do You Think?
The decision to cast a convicted scammer like Anna Sorokin on Dancing with the Stars has sparked heated debate. Some feel everyone deserves a second chance, while others believe it sends the wrong message. Where do you stand? Should Sorokin be given a shot at redemption on the dance floor, or should the show have left her out? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
