In a stunning turn of events, the latest episode of “Dancing with the Stars” ignited a firestorm of controversy when notorious public figure Anna Sorokin, famously known as Anna Delvey, made her much-anticipated debut. Paired with professional dancer Ezra Sosa, Sorokin’s performance of a Cha Cha set to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” immediately grabbed attention—not just for her moves, but for an unexpected fashion statement.
As she hit the dance floor, Sorokin wore a sparkling ankle monitor that matched her bright, ombre-colored outfit. The ankle monitor, required as part of her parole, was even embellished with a decorative bow, transforming a standard piece of parole equipment into a conversation starter. The segment leading up to her performance even featured Sorokin tripping over the monitor during rehearsals, with her dance partner Sosa lightheartedly commenting, “That ankle monitor is kind of inhibiting you today.”
The judges, while initially shocked, encouraged viewers to keep an open mind. Carrie Ann Inaba addressed the palpable tension in the room, asking everyone to give Sorokin’s dancing a fair chance. Fellow judges Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough offered supportive yet bewildered responses, with Hough noting Sorokin’s untapped potential on the dance floor.
However, the performance stirred controversy online, with many viewers more fixated on the ankle monitor than the dance itself. Social media buzzed with both humor and outrage. Some users found the situation amusing, joking about the bedazzled monitor, while others were appalled that a convicted felon was participating in the family-friendly show. One commenter summed up the discontent, saying, “She must go in the first week…bad example for young people.” Others expressed concern for Sosa, noting that he deserved a different partner for his debut season as a professional on the show.
Anna Sorokin’s criminal past adds to the uproar. She gained notoriety in 2017 after posing as a wealthy German heiress under the name Anna Delvey, infiltrating Manhattan’s elite circles. Sorokin scammed individuals, banks, and even hotels, amassing a staggering $275,000 in fraudulent gains to fund her extravagant lifestyle. From staying in luxury hotels to chartering private jets, Sorokin lived like the wealthy socialite she pretended to be.
Her deception was uncovered in 2019, leading to a conviction for grand larceny, theft of services, and attempted grand larceny. Despite being sentenced to prison, Sorokin remained unapologetic for her actions. Her infamous story caught the attention of Netflix, which released the hit mini-series “Inventing Anna” in 2022, catapulting her back into the public eye.
Sorokin’s appearance on “Dancing with the Stars” is the latest chapter in her post-prison life, which has seen her embrace the media spotlight. Critics, including a scathing op-ed in The New York Post, have slammed her for continuing to thrive in the entertainment industry despite her criminal background. The article pointed out that even though she is under ICE supervision and remains on house arrest, Sorokin has managed to extend her influence, securing opportunities in the media world that many argue she doesn’t deserve.
Anna Sorokin’s foray into the world of reality television has once again placed her at the center of public debate, raising questions about celebrity culture, redemption, and the ethics of glorifying individuals with checkered pasts. For now, she remains a controversial figure, both for her past misdeeds and her current presence in the entertainment world. Whether or not she lasts long on “Dancing with the Stars,” Sorokin seems determined to stay in the limelight.