Here’s Why Users Are Not Happy about This Dancer with Sparkly Ankle Bracelet Competing on ‘DWTS’

Though their lively performance captivated the audience, it was her daring accessory that truly turned heads during the Season 33 premiere of “Dancing with the Stars” on September 17, 2024.

Touted as a “fashionista and entrepreneur” at the beginning of the show, the 33-year-old strutted onto the dance floor sporting a sparkling ankle monitor. The metal piece flawlessly matched her colorful ombre ensemble of blue, purple, pink, and yellow.

As if that wasn’t enough, the device was finished off with a decorative bow, adding a playful touch to the female contestant’s already striking appearance. The contestant’s ankle monitor became a topic of conversation in a pre-recorded segment shown before her performance.

While rehearsing with her partner, she tripped over the device. Sosa jokingly remarked, “That ankle monitor is kind of inhibiting you today,” as they worked through their routine.

Carrie Ann Inaba later addressed the situation directly during the judges’ comments. Inaba acknowledged the noticeable shift in the room’s energy when the contestant stepped onto the dance floor.

She encouraged everyone to approach the situation with an open mind, saying, “Let’s all just give this a chance. […] I’m not pro, or for, against anything that you’ve done. But this is about your dancing here.”

Inaba’s fellow judges shared mostly encouraging remarks about the contestant. Bruno Tonioli humorously quipped that she was “reinventing Anna once again,” while Derek Hough was left nearly speechless, acknowledging her untapped potential.

During the segment, the contestant explained the reason behind wearing the ankle monitor, “I overstayed my visa because I was in jail, so it’s kind of hard to leave. I did serve my time.”

Viewers at home seemed more focused on the ankle monitor than on the contestant’s actual performance with her dance partner. The accessory garnered more attention than the moves on the dance floor.

“The ankle monitor will go down in history,” commented one YouTube user. Another asked, “Wait…that ankle monitor is real?? WHO IS THIS WOMAN?” Someone else found it amusing, writing, “The zoom in on the bedazzled Ankle Monitor LMAO.”

At the same time, many online users were outraged that this played out on national television, with several expressing their strong disapproval.

One person said, “The whole thing is just disgusting.” Another noted, “[…] They always need 1 controversial celebrity on every season.” One viewer declared that the woman doesn’t deserve a spot in the dancing competition, while another expressed sympathy for her dance partner.

“Poor Ezra, he deserves better for his first season as a pro!” wrote the user. Another person boldly stated, “She must go in the first week…bad example for young people.”

The woman behind the uproar is Anna Sorokin —better known to the world as Anna Delvey. She’s an infamous con artist who grabbed the world’s attention in 2017 after spinning a web of lies that both fascinated and stunned people everywhere.

Delvey, a Russian immigrant from a modest background, dreamed of joining Manhattan’s elite. She pushed her way into the city’s social circles, claiming to be a wealthy German heiress while attempting to raise funds for a private arts club on Park Avenue.

For years, she played the part flawlessly. She wore designer outfits from Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, stayed in luxury hotels, and showered friends with $100 tips, and lavish dinners.

Delvey even chartered a private jet to attend the prestigious Berkshire Hathaway Conference. Those around her had no reason to doubt her extravagant persona.

However, Manhattan prosecutors revealed it was all a facade. They accused Delvey of defrauding $275,000 from wealthy individuals, unsuspecting friends, and financial institutions to fund the lavish lifestyle she craved.

A jury found Delvey guilty on most charges, including second-degree grand larceny, theft of services, and one count of first-degree attempted grand larceny. She was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the grand larceny conviction.

However, the jury acquitted her of two major charges—attempted grand larceny in the first-degree for a $22 million loan she sought, and stealing $60,000 from a friend who had funded a trip to Morocco.

Shockingly, Delvey expressed no remorse for her actions. In her own words, she boldly admitted, “The thing is, I’m not sorry. I’d be lying to you and to everyone else and to myself if I said I was sorry for anything. I regret the way I went about certain things.”

Despite owing money to two hotels, a private jet company, and several banks, Delvey claimed she had always intended to repay her debts.

In an interview conducted shortly before her sentencing, she acknowledged that many of her friends knew her as Anna Delvey, which she explained was simply her mother’s maiden name.

Delvey’s actions not only shocked the world, but her story also inspired a Netflix mini-series. Titled “Inventing Anna,” the show debuted in February 2022, featuring Julia Garner, Arian Moayed, and Anna Chlumsky in leading roles.

Though Delvey seems to have turned her controversial past into media fame, even securing a spot in show business, The New York Post was quick to criticize her industry presence.

In a scathing opinion piece, the publication’s headline read, “Pop culture has sunk to a new low with Anna Delvey and her ankle monitor on ‘Dancing With the Stars.'”

The article pointed out that despite being under ICE supervision and on house arrest, a judge had extended her “home” radius by nearly 3,000 miles.

It questioned why Delvey, after breaking the law, remains on American soil, claiming she’s now taking jobs from other influencers who are just as eager for a shot at TV fame.

In the end, Anna Delvey continues to make waves, both for her infamous past and her unexpected foray into the entertainment world. Despite her criminal history, she remains a figure in the spotlight, raising questions and sparking debate.

Released from prison in early 2021 for good behavior, Sorokin shows no signs of stepping out of the public eye anytime soon.