LOS ANGELES, CA. (THECOUNT) — Anna Delvey, the infamous socialite whose story was widely publicized through Netflix’s “Inventing Anna,” made a highly anticipated appearance on the premiere of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). Paired with professional dancer Ezra Sosa, Delvey took to the stage in a performance that was as much about her dance moves as it was about her controversial past. What added a unique twist to her debut was her ankle monitor, which became a central feature during her performance.
Delvey’s Dance Debut:
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Delvey, who was hyped at the beginning of the show as a “fashionista and entrepreneur,” danced to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” alongside her partner Ezra. The duo delivered an energetic routine that ended with a bold move—Sosa grabbed Delvey’s ankle monitor as part of the grand finale. The monitor, a remnant of Delvey’s legal troubles, drew significant attention, as it became a literal and symbolic focal point during the performance.
Despite her efforts on the dance floor, Delvey’s routine failed to impress the judges, who gave her a score of 18 out of 30, with each judge awarding her a score of 6. Judge Bruno Tonioli couldn’t resist making a pun, referencing her criminal past with a cheeky comment: “Reinventing Anna… yet again! And, it just might be working!”
Judges Address the Controversy:
Carrie Ann Inaba, another judge on the show, addressed the controversy surrounding Delvey’s casting head-on. Inaba urged the audience to give Delvey a chance, acknowledging that stepping into the spotlight with a complicated history must be a challenging experience. Inaba’s comments hinted at the wider debate that had been brewing ever since Delvey was announced as part of the DWTS cast.
Many critics had taken issue with Delvey’s inclusion in the competition, given her criminal background. Delvey, whose real name is Anna Sorokin, was convicted of multiple fraud charges in 2019 after posing as a wealthy socialite and scamming New York’s elite. Her story, which captured public attention, was later dramatized in Netflix’s series Inventing Anna. The backlash from her casting centered around the idea that featuring her on a family-friendly show like DWTS might be seen as glamorizing or trivializing her criminal past.
However, Inaba’s remarks emphasized the personal and emotional hurdles Delvey might be facing, and the judge encouraged viewers to focus on her performance rather than her past.
Ankle Monitor Mishaps:
During the pre-taped segment leading up to the live performance, Delvey’s ankle monitor was again in the spotlight—this time due to a rehearsal blooper. In a humorous moment, Delvey tripped over the monitor, causing an awkward stumble. While the incident lightened the mood during the rehearsal footage, it also served as a reminder of her legal restrictions.
Delvey’s ankle monitor, which she has been wearing since her release from prison in 2022, is part of her ongoing post-prison supervision. She was released on parole but remains under house arrest as she fights deportation to Germany, her country of origin.
Delvey’s Determination:
Despite the ankle monitor and her tumultuous past, Delvey has been committed to the competition. In the weeks leading up to the season premiere, she and her dance partner Ezra Sosa were spotted rehearsing rigorously. Sources close to the show noted that Delvey was eager to prove herself, not only to the judges but also to those who have doubted her ability to reinvent her image.
The DWTS appearance marks a new chapter in Delvey’s public persona. Having previously been the subject of scandal and crime dramas, she is now stepping into the world of entertainment and pop culture in a different way. Whether or not the audience will accept this transformation remains to be seen, but her debut has certainly sparked conversation.
What’s Next for Delvey?
As the competition progresses, Delvey’s dance performances will likely continue to generate significant buzz. While her debut routine may not have impressed the judges enough to earn a top score, it certainly left a lasting impression. How she navigates the competition and whether she can win over the judges and the public alike will be an ongoing story.
For now, Delvey’s ankle monitor serves as a visual reminder of her past, but her participation in Dancing with the Stars shows her determination to rewrite her narrative. Whether this performance marks a step towards redemption or merely prolongs the public’s fascination with her life story, one thing is clear: Anna Delvey is not fading from the spotlight anytime soon.
DEVELOPING::