Dancing with the Stars fans are buzzing with frustration after a contestant gave an underwhelming cha-cha performance while wearing a flashy anklet on her right leg. The anklet, while eye-catching, wasn’t just for show—it carried a deeper story.
Standing before a silent crowd, the contestant defended her presence on the dance floor. “I’ve changed myself many times,” she said firmly. “This time, I’m becoming a ballroom dancer.”
Curious about who stirred up all this controversy? Keep reading!
Ezra Sosa’s Big Challenge
Ezra Sosa, a talented new professional on Dancing with the Stars, found himself in a tricky spot during his first season. His partner claimed she had dance experience, but Sosa wasn’t buying it.
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 revealed when asked about his partner’s background. Then, with a chuckle, he added, “I don’t think so.”
And it seems Sosa wasn’t alone in his doubt. Many others were suspicious about his partner’s claims.
The ‘Fake Heiress’
So, who is this mysterious contestant? None other than Anna Sorokin, the infamous “fake heiress.” You might know her better as Anna Delvey, the Russian-born woman who posed as a wealthy German heiress and tricked New York’s elite, including banks and hotels. Her story became so notorious that Netflix made a series about her life called Inventing Anna, starring Julia Garner.
In 2019, Sorokin was convicted of grand larceny and spent time in prison. She was released in 2021 for good behavior but quickly found herself in hot water again for violating the terms of her visa. This led to her being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and placed under house arrest.
— Anna Delvey (@theannadelvey) September 4, 2024
Now, Sorokin wears an ankle monitor as she fights against being deported to Germany, where she holds citizenship.
‘I Was in Jail’
The controversy ramped up when Sorokin appeared on the September 17 premiere of the new Dancing with the Stars season. She was introduced as a “fashionista and entrepreneur” and danced a cha-cha alongside Sosa to Sabrina Carpenter’s upbeat song “Espresso.” Both dancers wore matching bright outfits, but all eyes were on Sorokin’s sparkling ankle monitor.
Addressing the obvious attention on her ankle, Sorokin explained her situation with a laugh. “I overstayed my visa because I was in jail, so it’s hard to leave,” she said lightheartedly.
“I served my time… I’ve changed myself many times, and now I’m going to be a ballroom dancer,” she continued confidently.
Surprisingly, the judges were more focused on her dancing than her 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 the energetic one, chimed in enthusiastically. “Reinventing Anna … once again! And it might just work!” he exclaimed.
Carrie Ann Inaba, noticing the awkwardness in the room, addressed it directly. “I want to say something,” she said, turning toward 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.”
Fans Are Outraged
While the judges were surprisingly supportive, the fans at home weren’t having it. Social media platforms were flooded with negative comments, criticizing Sorokin’s “stiff” movements and her “unhappy face” throughout the performance. But what really angered viewers was the ankle monitor.
“Ankle monitors are not stylish. She shouldn’t be on this show,” one upset viewer wrote on DWTS’s Instagram page. Another commenter added, “Felons shouldn’t be in the spotlight.”
People were also bothered by how the show introduced Sorokin. “Ouch. ‘Fashionista and entrepreneur?’ No… she’s a criminal,” one viewer bluntly commented.
Over on the show’s Facebook page, the outrage continued. “Let’s glamorize an ankle bracelet. I’m disgusted,” one fan posted.
Many long-time viewers were disappointed with the show for casting Sorokin at all. “I’m disappointed in ABC for giving her this platform,” one fan complained. “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.”
Other comments were even harsher. “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!” one outraged fan wrote.
Another fan added, “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 feature a convicted scammer on Dancing with the Stars has definitely stirred up a storm of opinions. Do you think someone like Anna Sorokin deserves a second chance on the dance floor, or do you believe this was a step too far? Share your thoughts and let others know how you feel about this controversy!
