The latest season of Dancing with the Stars has brought not only impressive performances but also significant controversy. One contestant, in particular, has captured the spotlight for reasons that extend far beyond her dance skills. The unexpected appearance of a sparkling ankle monitor on the dance floor has sparked a strong reaction from viewers, igniting heated discussions online.

So why has this accessory caused such a stir? Let’s take a closer look at the contestant at the center of it all and why her presence on Dancing with the Stars has led to such polarized opinions.

The Controversial Contestant: Anna Delvey’s Debut

In a recent episode, 33-year-old Anna Delvey—also known as Anna Sorokin—made her highly anticipated debut on Dancing with the Stars. While her Cha Cha routine alongside professional dancer Ezra Sosa was meant to be the focus, it was overshadowed by a much more eye-catching feature: her sparkling ankle monitor.

Delvey wore a colorful ombre outfit, but it was the ankle monitor, adorned with a decorative bow, that drew most of the attention. The bold accessory quickly became the talking point during her performance and pre-recorded rehearsal footage, where Delvey even tripped over it. Her partner, Sosa, lightened the mood with a joke, “That ankle monitor is kind of inhibiting you today.”

Why Are Fans Outraged?

While some viewers found the situation amusing, many were less than thrilled with Delvey’s appearance on the show—particularly because of the controversial ankle monitor. Typically associated with legal supervision, the device served as a stark reminder of Delvey’s criminal past, pushing her history into the spotlight during what is meant to be a lighthearted competition.

Judge Carrie Ann Inaba addressed the situation directly, asking viewers to focus on Delvey’s dance performance rather than her past. Inaba said, “Let’s all just give this a chance. I’m not pro or against anything that you’ve done. But this is about your dancing here.” However, despite her neutral stance, the internet wasn’t as forgiving.

Anna Delvey: From Convict to Celebrity

For those unfamiliar with Delvey’s backstory, she rose to infamy in 2017 when she was exposed as a con artist. Originally from Russia, Delvey pretended to be a wealthy German heiress, successfully infiltrating New York’s elite social circles. Over time, she scammed friends, hotels, and banks out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, living a lavish lifestyle that was built on deception.

In 2019, Delvey was convicted of multiple charges, including grand larceny and theft of services, totaling around $275,000 in damages. Though sentenced to 15 years in prison, she was released early in 2021 for good behavior. Despite being under ICE supervision and on house arrest due to her immigration status, Delvey’s infamy has only grown, especially following the Netflix mini-series Inventing Anna, which has kept her story in the public eye.

Fan Reactions: Mixed Opinions

Unsurprisingly, Delvey’s participation on Dancing with the Stars has stirred up mixed reactions. Social media was abuzz with opinions, and viewers seemed split. Some found her presence entertaining, particularly with the unexpected addition of the ankle monitor, while others were outraged that she was given a platform despite her criminal background.

One viewer tweeted, “The ankle monitor will go down in history,” while another sarcastically asked, “Wait… that ankle monitor is real?? WHO IS THIS WOMAN?” However, not everyone was laughing. One disgruntled viewer tweeted, “The whole thing is just disgusting,” and others voiced their concern that Delvey was not a good example for younger audiences, with one user commenting, “She must go in the first week… bad example for young people.”

A Polarizing Figure: Why the Backlash?

So why has Delvey’s appearance on the show caused such a backlash? For many, the issue lies in the fact that a convicted fraudster is being celebrated on national television. The ankle monitor, a clear symbol of her criminal past, is seen as a sign of her notoriety rather than any indication of remorse or rehabilitation.

Critics argue that featuring Delvey on the show sends the wrong message, particularly to young viewers. The idea that someone with a controversial past can transition into celebrity status and be celebrated on a popular TV show raises concerns about glorifying illegal behavior.

Judges’ Reactions to Delvey’s Performance

While fans and critics were busy debating Delvey’s presence, the judges on Dancing with the Stars appeared to take a more neutral stance. Bruno Tonioli made a lighthearted remark, suggesting Delvey was “reinventing Anna once again,” while Derek Hough admitted she showed potential on the dance floor but refrained from commenting on her history.

The judges’ comments aligned with Carrie Ann Inaba’s earlier call to focus on Delvey’s dancing abilities rather than her past.

The Fascination with Criminals-Turned-Celebrities

Delvey’s appearance on Dancing with the Stars underscores a larger issue in today’s entertainment industry: the public fascination with criminals-turned-celebrities. Whether in reality TV, documentaries, or Netflix mini-series, audiences are undeniably drawn to stories of scandal and redemption. But at what point does this fascination cross a line?

Delvey’s inclusion in the show raises ethical questions about society’s views on rehabilitation and fame. While some believe she deserves a second chance after serving her time, others argue that she is benefitting from her criminal behavior in ways that downplay the seriousness of her actions.

Controversy That Won’t Fade

Anna Delvey’s debut on Dancing with the Stars has undoubtedly sparked one of the most polarizing moments in the show’s history. Whether viewers are entertained, disgusted, or simply intrigued, her presence has reignited debates about morality and ethics in entertainment.

As the competition progresses, it will be interesting to see whether Delvey can win over the audience with her dance moves or if her criminal past will continue to cast a shadow over her performances. One thing is for sure—her sparkling ankle monitor and the controversy surrounding her won’t be fading from the spotlight anytime soon.