“Dancing with the Stars” viewers are upset after a contestant performed a lackluster cha-cha while wearing a flashy anklet on her right leg.
The accessory seemed harmless but had a deeper meaning.
The contestant defended herself in front of a quiet crowd, saying, “I’ve changed myself many times,” and “this time, I’m becoming a ballroom dancer.”
Scroll down to discover who stirred up controversy on the popular show!
about to dump some #dwts prom pics 🤓🥳 pic.twitter.com/jNA3icQa6K
— Ezra Sosa (@ezra_sosa) October 22, 2022
Ezra Sosa faced a big challenge in his first season as a professional on “Dancing with the Stars.”
His partner claimed to have dance experience, but he wasn’t convinced.
When asked about her dance background, Sosa replied, “She said she did ballet and modern dance.” Laughing, he added, “I don’t think so.”
Sosa is among many people who doubt what his partner says.
‘Fake Heiress’
The 33-year-old woman was found guilty of grand larceny after pretending to be a rich German heiress.
She tricked many socialites and several well-known banks and hotels in New York.
Sosa’s partner is Russian-born Anna Sorokin, also known as Anna Delvey, the inspiration for the Netflix show *Inventing Anna*.
Delvey became famous after her crimes—scamming people, banks, and hotels—were featured in the series, where Julia Garner played her.
In 2019, she was convicted of several grand larceny charges and released from prison in 2021 for good behavior.
Later, after breaking the terms of her visa, she was taken by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and put under house arrest.
Now considered a flight risk, she wears the ankle monitor while fighting deportation to Germany, where she is a citizen.
— Anna Delvey (@theannadelvey) September 4, 2024
‘I Was in Jail’
On September 17, the convicted scammer caused a stir when she appeared in the first episode of the new DWTS season.
After being introduced as a “fashionista and entrepreneur,” Delvey danced a cha-cha with Sosa to Sabrina Carpenter’s song “Espresso.”
They wore matching blue, purple, pink, and yellow outfits, with Delvey accessorizing with a sparkling ankle monitor.
During the show, Delvey explained the ankle monitor: “I overstayed my visa because I was in jail, so it’s hard to leave,” she said, laughing.
“I served my time…I’ve changed myself many times, and now I’m going to be a ballroom dancer.”
The judges praised her and were surprised by her performance.
“I’m kind of speechless,” said Derek Hough. “You have the potential to be a great dancer. You really do…I was a bit shocked.”
Bruno Tonioli added, “Reinventing Anna … once again! And it might just work!”
Meanwhile, Carrie Ann Inaba addressed the silence in the room.
“I want to say something. When you stepped on the dance floor, the energy in the room changed,” Inaba said.
“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.”
‘I’m Disgusted’
However, fans of the show were not as supportive.
Many criticized her “stiff” dancing and “unhappy face.” Others were outraged by the ankle monitor.
“Ankle monitors are not stylish. She shouldn’t be on this show,” wrote one person on DWTS’s Instagram page. Another said, “Felons shouldn’t be in the spotlight.”
Someone else commented on Delvey’s introduction: “Ouch. ‘Fashionista and entrepreneur?’ No…she’s a criminal.”
On DWTS’s Facebook page, a fan added, “Let’s glamorize an ankle bracelet. I’m disgusted.”
Others were frustrated with the show for casting Delvey. “I’m disappointed in ABC for giving her this platform,” said one. Another added,
“She’s the reason I’m not watching this season, and I’m a loyal viewer. Glamorizing a thief is not okay with me.”
Another person wrote, “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!”
A fourth said, “Dancers should be role models. This leaves a bad impression, and I won’t watch the show anymore.”
What’s your opinion on casting a convicted scammer on DWTS? Share your thoughts and pass this story along to hear what others think!
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