Dancing with the Stars fans are abuzz with frustration after a contestant delivered a lackluster cha-cha performance while sporting a flashy anklet on her right leg. The anklet, while attention-grabbing, held a deeper significance beyond mere decoration.
Before a silent crowd, the contestant defended her place on the dance floor. “I’ve changed myself many times,” she stated confidently. “This time, I’m becoming a ballroom dancer.”
Wondering who sparked all this controversy? Keep reading.
Ezra Sosa, a talented new professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, faced a challenge in his debut season. His partner claimed she had some dance experience, but Sosa wasn’t convinced.
“She said she did ballet and modern dance,” Sosa said when asked about her background, then humorously added, “I don’t think so.” Sosa wasn’t alone in his doubts; many shared his skepticism.
So, who is this controversial contestant? It’s none other than Anna Sorokin, also known as the infamous “fake heiress” Anna Delvey. Sorokin is known for posing as a wealthy German heiress and conning New York’s elite, including banks and hotels. Her scandalous story gained notoriety, even inspiring Netflix’s series Inventing Anna, starring Julia Garner.
In 2019, Sorokin was convicted of grand larceny and served time in prison. After her release in 2021 for good behavior, she soon found herself in trouble again for violating her visa terms, leading to detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Currently, Sorokin is under house arrest, wearing an ankle monitor while fighting deportation to Germany, where she holds citizenship.
@anna.delvey.xoxo
The controversy intensified when Sorokin made her debut on the September 17 premiere of the latest Dancing with the Stars season. Introduced as a “fashionista and entrepreneur,” she performed a cha-cha alongside Sosa to the upbeat tune of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.” While their matching bright outfits caught attention, all eyes were on Sorokin’s sparkling ankle monitor.
Acknowledging the inevitable focus on her ankle, Sorokin laughed off the situation. “I overstayed my visa because I was in jail, so it’s hard to leave,” she quipped.
“I served my time… I’ve changed myself many times, and now I’m going to be a ballroom dancer,” she added with confidence.
Surprisingly, the judges appeared more focused on her dancing than her controversial past.
“I’m kind of speechless,” admitted judge Derek Hough. “You have the potential to be a great dancer. You really do… I was a bit shocked.”
Bruno Tonioli, always energetic, chimed in, “Reinventing Anna … once again! And it might just work!”
Carrie Ann Inaba acknowledged the awkwardness in the room but addressed Sorokin directly. “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.”
However, while the judges offered unexpected support, fans were less forgiving. Social media platforms exploded with critical comments, targeting both Sorokin’s stiff movements and her “unhappy face” during the performance. But the real source of outrage was the ankle monitor.
“Ankle monitors are not stylish. She shouldn’t be on this show,” one frustrated viewer posted on Dancing with the Stars‘ Instagram page. Another added, “Felons shouldn’t be in the spotlight.”
Fans were also upset with how Sorokin was introduced. “Ouch. ‘Fashionista and entrepreneur?’ No… she’s a criminal,” a blunt comment read.
The criticism continued on the show’s Facebook page. “Let’s glamorize an ankle bracelet. I’m disgusted,” one fan wrote.
Long-time viewers expressed disappointment in the show’s decision to cast Sorokin. “I’m disappointed in ABC for giving her this platform,” one person lamented. “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.”
Some comments were even more direct. “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 upset viewer wrote, “Dancers should be role models. This leaves a bad impression, and I won’t watch the show anymore.”
The decision to feature a convicted scammer on Dancing with the Stars has undeniably sparked strong reactions. Do you think Anna Sorokin deserves a second chance on the dance floor, or do you feel this move crossed a line? Let us know your thoughts on this heated debate!
