The latest season of Dancing with the Stars has kicked off with a highly controversial figure gracing the dance floor, sparking heated debates online. Fans of the popular show are buzzing over a particular contestant who took center stage with a striking accessory — a sparkling ankle bracelet. While DWTS is no stranger to celebrity drama, this time, the uproar isn’t just about the dancing. So, who is this contestant, and why has her appearance caused such an intense reaction? Let’s break it down.

The Grand Entrance: Anna Delvey’s Debut on ‘Dancing with the Stars’

On the season 33 premiere of Dancing with the Stars on September 17, 2024, Anna Sorokin, more infamously known as Anna Delvey, made her much-anticipated debut. Partnered with pro dancer Ezra Sosa, Delvey performed a fiery Cha Cha routine set to Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso, marking her first appearance on the show. However, it wasn’t just her dance moves that captured attention—it was the sparkling ankle monitor she wore as part of her outfit.

Touted as a “fashionista and entrepreneur,” Delvey strutted onto the dance floor wearing a colorful ombre ensemble of blue, purple, pink, and yellow, topped off with the eye-catching ankle monitor. This wasn’t just any ordinary accessory—it was a bedazzled ankle bracelet, complete with a decorative bow, which quickly became the center of conversation.

Why the Ankle Monitor? The Backstory Behind the Sparkle

Before the performance even began, viewers were given a glimpse of Delvey’s unusual accessory during a pre-recorded segment. In a candid moment, she tripped over the ankle monitor while rehearsing with her partner. Sosa jokingly commented, “That ankle monitor is kind of inhibiting you today,” as they practiced their routine.

Delvey later revealed the reason behind her ankle monitor: she is under house arrest, monitored by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after overstaying her visa. During the segment, she explained, “I overstayed my visa because I was in jail, so it’s kind of hard to leave. I did serve my time.” Despite her past, Delvey remained defiant, using her signature unapologetic attitude to make light of the situation.

The Judges’ Reactions: Encouragement or Controversy?

The reaction from the judges was mixed. Carrie Ann Inaba addressed the situation directly during her comments, urging everyone to approach the contestant’s performance with an open mind. She stated, “Let’s all just give this a chance. I’m not pro or against anything that you’ve done, but this is about your dancing here.” Fellow judges Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough added humor to the moment, with Bruno quipping that Delvey was “reinventing Anna once again,” while Hough was left nearly speechless by her potential on the dance floor.

Viewer Reactions: Ankle Monitor Steals the Spotlight

While Delvey’s dance performance was spirited, it was her ankle monitor that stole the spotlight. Social media exploded with comments, with many viewers focusing more on her accessory than her actual Cha Cha routine. On YouTube, one user remarked, “The ankle monitor will go down in history,” while another questioned, “Wait…that ankle monitor is real?? WHO IS THIS WOMAN?”

Not all reactions were lighthearted, however. Some viewers were outraged, with many expressing disapproval of her participation on a family-oriented show like Dancing with the Stars. One critic noted, “The whole thing is just disgusting,” while others voiced concerns about her criminal past, saying she didn’t deserve a place in the competition. Several comments expressed sympathy for her dance partner, with one fan stating, “Poor Ezra, he deserves better for his first season as a pro!”

Who Is Anna Delvey? The Infamous Con Artist

For those unfamiliar with Anna Delvey, she’s no ordinary contestant. Delvey, whose real name is Anna Sorokin, gained worldwide notoriety in 2017 after it was revealed that she had defrauded wealthy socialites, friends, and financial institutions out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Claiming to be a wealthy German heiress, Delvey lived a lavish lifestyle in New York City, staying in luxury hotels, wearing designer outfits, and rubbing shoulders with Manhattan’s elite—all while conning them.

In 2019, Sorokin was convicted of multiple felonies, including grand larceny and theft of services, for scamming an estimated $275,000. She was sentenced to 15 years in prison but was released early for good behavior in 2021. Despite her criminal background, Delvey has remained unapologetic, famously stating, “The thing is, I’m not sorry. I’d be lying to you and to everyone else if I said I was sorry for anything.”

Her story inspired the popular Netflix series Inventing Anna, starring Julia Garner, which further cemented her status as a controversial media figure.

Why Is Anna Delvey on TV? Criticism of Her Newfound Fame

The decision to cast Delvey on Dancing with the Stars has been met with sharp criticism from several corners. A New York Post opinion piece slammed her appearance, calling it a new low for pop culture. The article also questioned why Delvey, after being under ICE supervision and on house arrest, was allowed to compete on national television. Critics argue that her presence on the show glamorizes criminal behavior and sets a poor example, particularly for younger audiences.

While Delvey’s ankle monitor and backstory are the focus of much controversy, it’s undeniable that her appearance has stirred up media attention, proving once again that she knows how to stay in the spotlight.

The Ongoing Debate: Is Anna Delvey a Star or a Scandal?

Anna Delvey’s foray into the entertainment world raises broader questions about the role of redemption and fame in pop culture. Should a convicted con artist be given the opportunity to reinvent herself on one of television’s biggest stages? Or does her appearance signal a troubling trend in which infamy becomes a stepping stone to fame?

Whether you see Delvey as a symbol of audacity or a cautionary tale, one thing is clear—her presence on Dancing with the Stars has reignited the debate on how society treats controversial figures in the public eye.

Conclusion: A Bold Move or a Bad Example?

Anna Delvey’s stint on Dancing with the Stars has undoubtedly caused a stir, with viewers split between fascination and outrage. Her sparkly ankle monitor may have grabbed attention, but the broader conversation is about the line between redemption and exploitation. As the season unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Delvey’s dancing—or her notorious past—will define her time on the show.