Dancing with the Stars fans were buzzing after one contestant’s performance left them less than impressed. The dancer gave a clunky cha-cha, but what really caught everyone’s attention was the flashy anklet she wore on her right leg. It seemed like a bold fashion statement, but there was more to it than met the eye.
As the audience sat in uneasy silence, the contestant defended herself with confidence. “I’ve changed myself many times,” she said, her voice steady. “And this time, I’m becoming a ballroom dancer.”
Curious about who this mysterious contestant is? Keep reading to uncover the drama!
Ezra Sosa’s Big Test
Ezra Sosa, a fresh face among the professional dancers on Dancing with the Stars, faced a tough challenge in his very first season. His partner had told him she had dance experience, but Sosa wasn’t convinced.
about to dump some #dwts prom pics 🤓🥳 pic.twitter.com/jNA3icQa6K
— Ezra Sosa (@ezra_sosa) October 22, 2022
When asked about his partner’s background, Sosa raised an eyebrow and said, “She said she did ballet and modern dance.” Then, with a laugh, he added, “I don’t think so.”
And he wasn’t alone. Plenty of people were questioning whether his partner’s claims were true.
The ‘Fake Heiress’ Unmasked
It turns out, Ezra’s partner wasn’t just any contestant. She was Anna Sorokin, the infamous “fake heiress” who had fooled some of New York’s wealthiest socialites, as well as major banks and luxury hotels. At 33 years old, Anna Sorokin—also known as Anna Delvey—had quite a reputation, one so notorious that it inspired the Netflix series Inventing Anna, where Julia Garner brought her story to life on screen.
— Anna Delvey (@theannadelvey) September 4, 2024
In 2019, Sorokin was found guilty of grand larceny and sentenced to prison for scamming her way through high society. She was released in 2021 for good behavior but soon found herself in trouble again after breaking the terms of her visa. This led to her being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and placed under house arrest.
Considered a flight risk, Sorokin now wears an ankle monitor as she fights to avoid deportation to her home country, Germany.
‘I Was in Jail’
On September 17, Anna Sorokin shocked viewers when she appeared in the first episode of the new season of Dancing with the Stars. She was introduced as a “fashionista and entrepreneur,” and took to the dance floor alongside Ezra Sosa to perform a cha-cha to Sabrina Carpenter’s hit song “Espresso.”
The duo wore matching colorful outfits—blues, purples, pinks, and yellows—but it was Sorokin’s sparkling ankle monitor that stole the show.
As the camera zoomed in, Sorokin addressed the curious accessory. “I overstayed my visa because I was in jail, so it’s hard to leave,” she said with a laugh, clearly unfazed by the attention.
“I served my time,” she continued, smiling. “I’ve changed myself many times, and now I’m going to be a ballroom dancer.”
To the surprise of many, the judges weren’t quick to dismiss her performance.
Derek Hough, one of the most respected judges, 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, known for his larger-than-life reactions, was equally astonished. “Reinventing Anna … once again! And it might just work!” he exclaimed with a grin.
Carrie Ann Inaba, noticing the tension in the room, decided to address it head-on. “I want to say something,” she began, her tone serious. “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 seemed willing to give Sorokin a fresh start, the viewers at home weren’t as forgiving. Social media platforms lit up with a flood of angry comments, many targeting Sorokin’s stiff movements and unenthusiastic expression during the performance. But the biggest point of contention? The ankle monitor.
“Ankle monitors are not stylish. She shouldn’t be on this show,” one outraged fan wrote on DWTS’s Instagram page. Another added, “Felons shouldn’t be in the spotlight.”
The introduction of Sorokin as a “fashionista and entrepreneur” didn’t sit well with some viewers either. “Ouch. ‘Fashionista and entrepreneur?’ No…she’s a criminal,” one person commented bluntly.
Over on Facebook, fans expressed similar frustration. “Let’s glamorize an ankle bracelet. I’m disgusted,” one viewer posted.
Many were especially upset with the show’s producers for giving Sorokin such a platform. “I’m disappointed in ABC for giving her this platform,” one longtime fan wrote. “She’s the reason I’m not watching this season, and I’m a loyal viewer. Glamorizing a thief is not okay with me.”
Other fans chimed in with even harsher criticism. “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 viewer fumed.
Another 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 cast a convicted scammer on Dancing with the Stars has certainly sparked a heated debate. What’s your take on it? Should someone like Anna Sorokin be given a second chance on the dance floor, or is this a step too far? Share your thoughts and see what others have to say!
