The latest season of Dancing with the Stars has kicked off with a mix of excitement, drama, and, unexpectedly, controversy. One particular contestant has stolen the spotlight, not for her dance moves, but for the sparkly ankle monitor she wore on the dance floor. This unusual accessory has left fans divided, with many taking to social media to express their opinions. But why has this one item caused such a stir? Let’s look at the story behind this contestant and why her appearance on the show has ignited such a heated debate.
The Controversial Contestant: Anna Delvey’s DWTS Debut
On a recent episode of Dancing with the Stars, 33-year-old Anna Delvey made her debut. Known for her controversial past, Delvey—whose real name is Anna Sorokin—was a focal point of attention, but not because of her Cha Cha routine. Paired with professional dancer Ezra Sosa, Delvey performed to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso,” but what caught everyone’s eye wasn’t her footwork; it was the sparkly ankle monitor she wore.
Delvey took to the dance floor in a colorful outfit, flaunting the ankle monitor that she had even decorated with a bow. The monitor was visible throughout her performance and rehearsal footage, where it even caused her to trip. Her dance partner humorously remarked, “That ankle monitor is kind of inhibiting you today,” adding some levity to the otherwise awkward situation.
Why Fans Are Outraged
While some viewers found humor in the situation, many were outraged. Delvey’s ankle monitor, a symbol of legal supervision, brought her criminal history front and center. Fans were divided, with some feeling that her presence, along with the visible reminder of her past, overshadowed the dance competition.
One of the show’s judges, Carrie Ann Inaba, addressed the situation, 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 for or against anything that you’ve done. But this is about your dancing here.” Despite Inaba’s attempt to keep the focus on the performance, the internet wasn’t so forgiving.
Anna Delvey: From Convict to Celebrity
For those unfamiliar with Delvey, she became infamous in 2017 when she was exposed as a con artist. Originally from Russia, Delvey posed as a wealthy German heiress, infiltrating New York City’s elite social circles. She scammed friends, hotels, and banks out of hundreds of thousands of dollars while living a luxurious lifestyle.
In 2019, Delvey was convicted on multiple counts of grand larceny and theft of services, defrauding nearly $275,000 from various institutions and individuals. Sentenced to up to 15 years in prison, she was released early in 2021 for good behavior. However, Delvey is still under ICE supervision due to her immigration status and remains on house arrest.
Delvey’s story has gained widespread attention, even inspiring a Netflix series, Inventing Anna, which brought her back into the public eye. But her fame has also sparked controversy, with many questioning whether she deserves the celebrity status she has gained.
Fan Reactions: Divided Opinions
It’s no surprise that Delvey’s appearance on Dancing with the Stars has led to divided reactions. Social media erupted with mixed opinions. Some viewers were entertained, finding humor in the fact that Delvey was competing with a glamorous ankle monitor. One viewer commented, “The ankle monitor will go down in history,” while another sarcastically wrote, “Wait… that ankle monitor is real?? WHO IS THIS WOMAN?”
However, not everyone was amused. Some fans expressed anger, with one tweet reading, “The whole thing is just disgusting.” Others criticized the show for giving Delvey a platform, with one viewer stating, “She must go in the first week… bad example for young people.”
The Backlash: Why So Much Controversy?
So why has Delvey’s appearance sparked such intense reactions? For many, the issue is that a convicted fraudster is being celebrated on national television. The ankle monitor, a visible reminder of her criminal past, serves as a symbol of her notoriety rather than remorse.
Critics argue that Delvey’s presence sends the wrong message, particularly to younger audiences. The fact that someone with such a controversial history can transition into the world of entertainment and be embraced by a popular TV show raises concerns about glorifying illegal behavior.
Judges’ Reactions to Delvey’s Performance
While social media debated Delvey’s place on the show, the judges seemed to remain neutral. Bruno Tonioli lightened the mood with a comment about Delvey “reinventing Anna once again,” while Derek Hough admitted she had potential as a dancer but remained largely silent about her past.
The judges’ focus on Delvey’s dancing reflected Carrie Ann Inaba’s earlier stance that the competition should be judged on performance rather than personal history.
The Debate Over Criminals in the Spotlight
Delvey’s participation in Dancing with the Stars shines a spotlight on a broader issue: the fascination with criminals-turned-celebrities. From reality TV to documentaries and mini-series, audiences are drawn to stories of deception and scandal. However, when does this fascination go too far?
Delvey’s inclusion raises ethical questions about rehabilitation and fame. Some argue that she has served her time and deserves a second chance, while others feel that she is benefiting from her criminal actions in ways that downplay the seriousness of her crimes.
A Controversy That Won’t Fade Soon
Anna Delvey’s appearance on Dancing with the Stars has undoubtedly stirred one of the most polarizing moments in the show’s history. Whether viewers are entertained, outraged, or simply intrigued, her presence has reignited debates about morality in entertainment.
As the competition progresses, it remains to be seen whether Delvey’s dance moves will win over audiences or if her past will continue to overshadow her. One thing is clear—her sparkling ankle monitor and the controversy surrounding her are not going away anytime soon.
