The new season of Dancing with the Stars is always filled with glitz, glamour, and fierce competition, but this time, the spotlight has shifted to something entirely different. While fans usually focus on dance routines and dazzling costumes, the latest controversy revolves around one contestant’s shocking accessory—a sparkling ankle monitor. This season, notorious public figure Anna Sorokin, also known as Anna Delvey, has joined the show, igniting a firestorm of debate and leaving viewers divided.

Who Is Anna Sorokin, a.k.a. Anna Delvey?

Anna Sorokin, better known by her alias Anna Delvey, became infamous for her role as a high-society con artist. Posing as a wealthy German heiress, Sorokin infiltrated Manhattan’s elite circles, defrauding friends, hotels, and financial institutions out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Her elaborate scheme captivated the public, especially after her high-profile trial in 2019. She was convicted of grand larceny and served time in prison, gaining even more attention when Netflix’s Inventing Anna dramatized her story.

Sorokin’s unapologetic demeanor only fueled public fascination with her. In interviews following her conviction, she famously stated that she wasn’t sorry for her actions, further solidifying her image as a controversial figure. Now, her decision to appear on Dancing with the Stars has sparked fresh outrage, with many questioning whether someone with such a notorious past should be given a platform on national television.

The Dancing Debut: Sorokin’s Ankle Monitor Steals the Spotlight

In her debut performance, Sorokin and her professional partner, Ezra Sosa, performed a lively Cha Cha. However, it wasn’t the routine that grabbed viewers’ attention—it was Sorokin’s glittering ankle monitor. The monitor, required as part of her house arrest conditions, had been bedazzled for the occasion, turning a legal device into a fashion statement. The decision to dance with the ankle monitor, especially one decorated with a bow, quickly became the focus of conversation on social media.

In a pre-recorded segment, Sorokin explained that she had even tripped over the monitor during rehearsals, with Sosa quipping, “That ankle monitor is kind of inhibiting you today.” This lighthearted remark underscored the bizarre nature of her situation, as Sorokin attempted to perform under circumstances no other contestant had faced before.

Judges’ Reactions: The Elephant in the Room

The show’s judges did their best to focus on the performance rather than the controversy. Carrie Ann Inaba acknowledged the situation but urged the audience to judge Sorokin’s dancing skills rather than her past, stating, “Let’s all just give this a chance. This is about your dancing here.” Bruno Tonioli, ever the entertainer, added a humorous twist, suggesting Sorokin was “reinventing Anna once again.” Derek Hough, usually full of detailed feedback, found himself nearly speechless, admitting the ankle monitor was a major distraction.

Despite the judges’ attempts to keep the focus on dancing, the elephant in the room was impossible to ignore. Sorokin’s presence, coupled with her ankle monitor, dominated the conversation both on and off the screen.

Social Media Explodes: Fans React to Anna Delvey on DWTS

Unsurprisingly, Sorokin’s appearance on Dancing with the Stars sent social media into a frenzy. Fans and critics alike took to platforms like Twitter and Instagram to voice their opinions, with reactions ranging from disbelief to outrage.

One viewer commented, “The whole thing is just disgusting. Why are we giving a convicted scammer a spotlight?” Another noted, “They always need one controversial celebrity every season, but this is too much.” Sympathy poured in for her dance partner, Ezra Sosa, with one fan writing, “Poor Ezra, he deserves better for his first season as a pro!”

The ankle monitor itself became an instant meme, with users joking about the “bedazzled house arrest fashion statement” and questioning why Sorokin was even allowed to participate. “Wait…that ankle monitor is real?? WHO IS THIS WOMAN?” one person tweeted, highlighting the confusion surrounding her inclusion in the show.

A Notorious Past: Revisiting Anna Sorokin’s Crimes

To understand why Sorokin’s appearance on Dancing with the Stars has caused such a stir, it’s essential to revisit her criminal past. Born in Russia, Sorokin moved to New York and crafted an elaborate fake identity as Anna Delvey, a wealthy German heiress. With charm, confidence, and an intricate web of lies, she convinced New York’s elite that she was one of them, enjoying luxurious vacations, expensive hotels, and private jets—all paid for by fraud.

Her house of cards eventually came crashing down, leading to her 2019 conviction for grand larceny. Sorokin’s lack of remorse shocked many, especially when she told reporters, “I’m not sorry for anything.” Despite serving prison time, her story has only grown more infamous, with Netflix’s Inventing Anna bringing her into the mainstream and turning her into an unlikely pop culture icon.

Controversy in the Spotlight: Should Sorokin Be on National TV?

Sorokin’s participation on Dancing with the Stars has reignited debates about how pop culture glorifies controversial figures. Critics argue that giving Sorokin a platform trivializes her crimes and sends the wrong message to viewers, particularly younger audiences. Her unapologetic attitude, combined with her criminal past, makes her an unlikely candidate for redemption, yet she continues to be celebrated in certain circles.

A scathing opinion piece from The New York Post labeled her appearance on the show as a “new low in pop culture,” condemning Dancing with the Stars for giving a convicted scammer a chance to shine on national television. The article questioned why someone who defrauded so many people was being celebrated as a celebrity, calling into question the values the show represents.

The Ankle Monitor: A Symbol of Controversy

Perhaps the most glaring symbol of Sorokin’s controversy is her ankle monitor. As part of her house arrest conditions, Sorokin is required to wear the device, which serves as a constant reminder of her past transgressions. The fact that she chose to bedazzle the monitor and flaunt it on television has been seen by many as a blatant disregard for accountability.

Critics argue that allowing Sorokin to compete, ankle monitor and all, sends a dangerous message—that fame and controversy can overshadow criminal behavior. While Sorokin’s defenders might claim she’s trying to rebuild her life post-prison, her continued flaunting of her past has left many questioning whether she’s truly seeking redemption or simply chasing more fame.

Conclusion: Anna Delvey’s Polarizing Presence on Dancing with the Stars

Anna Sorokin’s appearance on Dancing with the Stars has proven to be one of the most controversial moments in the show’s history. Her glittering ankle monitor and unapologetic attitude have divided viewers, sparking intense debate about her place in the competition.

For some, Sorokin represents the ultimate comeback story, a woman trying to rebuild her life after a highly publicized fall from grace. For others, her presence on national television is a troubling reminder of how society glorifies controversial figures for entertainment value.

Whether or not Sorokin’s time on Dancing with the Stars leads to redemption or further controversy, one thing is clear—she knows how to stay in the spotlight. As long as the public remains fascinated by her story, Anna Delvey will continue to dance through scandal, ankle monitor and all.