The newest season of Dancing with the Stars launched with the usual mix of excitement and high-energy performances, but one contestant brought more than just dance moves to the show. When one of the competitors appeared wearing a sparkling ankle monitor, it sparked an unexpected reaction from viewers and ignited a wave of online discussions.

So, what about this accessory has caused such a stir? Let’s look at the contestant at the center of the controversy and explore why her presence on Dancing with the Stars has stirred such strong opinions.

The Controversial Contestant: Anna Delvey’s DWTS Debut

In a recent episode, 33-year-old Anna Delvey made her much-anticipated debut on Dancing with the Stars. Known for her troubled past, Delvey—whose real name is Anna Sorokin—caught the audience’s attention for reasons that had little to do with her dance routine. Paired with professional dancer Ezra Sosa, Delvey danced to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso,” but her footwork wasn’t the focus of the night—it was her sparkling ankle monitor.

Delvey took to the dance floor in a vibrant ombre outfit, but all eyes were on her ankle monitor, which she had humorously decorated with a bow. This bold accessory became the focal point of her performance, as well as during her pre-recorded rehearsals, where she even tripped over it. Her partner, Sosa, made light of the situation, joking, “That ankle monitor is kind of inhibiting you today,” giving a comedic edge to the otherwise serious device.

Why Fans Are Outraged

While some viewers found the situation humorous, many were upset about the show’s decision to feature Delvey, especially with such a controversial item on display. An ankle monitor, often associated with legal trouble, brought up discussions of Delvey’s criminal past and her checkered history.

Carrie Ann Inaba, one of the judges, addressed the controversy head-on, asking viewers to focus on Delvey’s dancing rather than her past. She said, “Let’s all just give this a chance. I’m not for or against anything you’ve done. But this is about your dancing here.” Despite her neutral stance, social media exploded with debates, and not everyone agreed with Inaba’s approach.

Anna Delvey: From Criminal to Celebrity

For those unfamiliar with Delvey, she first made headlines in 2017 after being exposed as a con artist. Born in Russia, Delvey pretended to be a wealthy German heiress, infiltrating elite social circles in New York City and living a lavish lifestyle. Over time, she scammed friends, hotels, and banks out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In 2019, Delvey was convicted on multiple charges, including grand larceny and theft of services, for defrauding nearly $275,000. She was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison but was released early in 2021 for good behavior. Despite being on house arrest under ICE supervision due to her immigration status, Delvey’s fame has only grown, especially after the release of the Netflix mini-series Inventing Anna, which brought her story to an even larger audience.

Fan Reactions: Divided Opinions

Unsurprisingly, Delvey’s appearance on Dancing with the Stars caused an uproar online. Fans shared their thoughts on social media, and opinions were split. Some found her appearance entertaining, especially the ankle monitor, while others were outraged that she was given a platform at all, given her criminal past.

One viewer commented, “The ankle monitor will go down in history.” Another sarcastically wrote, “Wait… that ankle monitor is real?? WHO IS THIS WOMAN?” However, not everyone was amused. One person tweeted, “The whole thing is just disgusting.” Other viewers expressed disappointment, arguing that Delvey should be removed from the competition. “She must go in the first week… bad example for young people,” one user posted.

A Polarizing Presence: Why the Backlash?

So why has Delvey’s appearance sparked such outrage? For many, the issue is that a convicted fraudster is being celebrated on national television. The ankle monitor, a visible reminder of her criminal past, symbolizes her continued notoriety rather than any sense of remorse.

Critics argue that Delvey’s participation sends the wrong message, particularly to younger viewers. The idea that someone with a controversial history can easily transition into celebrity status and be celebrated on a popular show is unsettling for many. In a world where public figures are often seen as role models, Delvey’s inclusion raises questions about whether her criminal past should be glorified.

The Judges’ Reactions to Delvey’s Performance

While the controversy swirled online, the show’s judges took a more neutral approach. Bruno Tonioli joked about Delvey “reinventing Anna once again,” and Derek Hough acknowledged her potential on the dance floor but remained relatively silent about her past.

The judges seemed to stick with the plan of judging Delvey’s dancing abilities, as Carrie Ann Inaba suggested earlier, rather than her criminal history.

The Fascination with Criminals-Turned-Celebrities

Delvey’s appearance on Dancing with the Stars underscores a broader issue in entertainment: the public fascination with criminals-turned-celebrities. From reality shows to documentaries, audiences are drawn to tales of deception, scandal, and redemption. But at what point does this fascination cross the line?

Delvey’s inclusion in the show raises ethical questions about how society views rehabilitation and fame. While some believe she has paid her debt to society and deserves a second chance, others argue that she is profiting from her criminal behavior in ways that downplay the severity of her actions.

A Controversy That’s Here to Stay

Anna Delvey’s appearance on Dancing with the Stars has created one of the most polarizing moments in the show’s history. Whether viewers are entertained, disgusted, or simply intrigued, Delvey’s presence has sparked a broader conversation about morality in entertainment.

As the competition continues, it remains to be seen whether Delvey will win over the audience with her dance skills or if her criminal past will overshadow her every step. One thing is certain—her sparkling ankle monitor and the controversy surrounding her are not going away anytime soon.