Anna Delvey’s recent stint on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) was short-lived, but it certainly left a lasting impression. Known for her infamous past as a convicted con artist, her attempt to transition from the courtroom to the dance floor has generated significant backlash. Delvey’s performance and behavior on the show not only sparked outrage but also left many viewers feeling sympathetic towards her professional dance partner, Ezra Sosa. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the controversy, what went wrong during her performance, and why her attitude became the center of attention.
Anna Delvey, whose real name is Anna Sorokin, gained global notoriety after posing as a wealthy German heiress and defrauding New York’s elite out of more than $200,000. Following her conviction and prison sentence, Delvey attempted a new chapter by joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars in Season 33. However, her participation in the show, announced amidst much fanfare, immediately stirred up a storm of mixed reactions.
When Delvey, sporting an ankle monitor as part of her legal restrictions, took to the ballroom floor, many viewers were shocked. Some labeled the decision to cast her as bizarre and controversial. Social media buzzed with reactions ranging from curiosity to outright disapproval. Critics asked, “Why is a convicted felon on a show meant for celebrities?” Others, however, saw this as her chance for redemption. Yet, Delvey’s performance ultimately fueled the flames of public outrage.
On September 24, Delvey and her dance partner, Ezra Sosa, performed a Quickstep to KT Tunstall’s Suddenly I See, famously known from The Devil Wears Prada soundtrack. The performance was part of the show’s Oscars Night, and fans expected high energy and enthusiasm. But Delvey’s routine fell flat.
Despite Sosa’s efforts to keep the dance dynamic, Delvey’s lack of enthusiasm became painfully apparent. She moved with visible discomfort, and her attitude came across as cold and uninterested. While DWTS is known for showcasing the dedication and growth of its contestants, Delvey’s apparent detachment left viewers frustrated. After receiving low scores from the judges and a poor response from voters, she and Sosa were eliminated in a double-elimination round, alongside Tori Spelling and her partner, Pasha Pashkov.
The reaction from viewers after Delvey’s performance was swift and brutal. Many felt she lacked the necessary passion and commitment to remain on the show. Fans took to social media to vent their frustration, accusing Delvey of not taking the competition seriously.
One viewer tweeted, “It feels like Anna doesn’t even want to be here. She shows no effort, no enthusiasm. Why waste a spot on someone who doesn’t care?”
Another echoed the sentiment, writing, “Ezra was trying his best to make that work, but Delvey’s attitude just dragged the performance down. So glad she’s eliminated!”
The overwhelming consensus was that Delvey’s attitude was the primary reason for her downfall. While the show thrives on encouraging growth and improvement, her cold demeanor throughout her time on DWTS left fans with little patience. Many expressed sympathy for her partner, Ezra Sosa, who they felt had been shortchanged by being paired with someone who appeared indifferent to the entire process.
While the vast majority of viewers were critical of Delvey, there were a few who defended her. Some fans argued that she shouldn’t be judged based on her lack of outward cheerfulness, suggesting that not every contestant needs to display a bubbly personality to succeed.
One Twitter user noted, “Not everyone needs to pretend they’re living a fairytale. I think Anna was just being herself, and maybe she was nervous.”
Another supporter chimed in, “I liked that she wasn’t fake-smiling through the whole thing. Sometimes being yourself on reality TV means people don’t get it.”
Despite these attempts to defend Delvey’s demeanor, the backlash continued to overshadow any positive feedback she might have received.
While viewers vented their frustrations, Delvey’s partner, Ezra Sosa, painted a more complicated picture of their journey on Dancing with the Stars. Following their elimination, Sosa took to social media to share insights into their experience. In a heartfelt video, he spoke about the challenges Delvey faced, both on the dance floor and behind the scenes.
Sosa described how Delvey struggled with the negativity directed at her, particularly after their debut performance. He shared an emotional moment where she disappeared after reading harsh comments, only to be found crying in a bathroom. “I’ve never seen her like that,” Sosa admitted, expressing that despite the public criticism, he had grown to care for her.
@ezrasosa week 1 hit harder than expected, but we’re only getting started ❤️ @Anna Delvey #dwts ♬ original sound – Ezra Sosa
While Sosa acknowledged that Delvey’s past was controversial and that her actions were indefensible, he urged viewers to consider the person he had come to know in rehearsals—a vulnerable individual trying to move forward. “I wanted to give her the best experience possible,” Sosa explained, visibly emotional. “She deserves another chance, and no one should be subjected to the amount of hate she’s been getting.”
Despite Sosa’s attempts to humanize Delvey, the public remained largely unforgiving, with most viewers believing her attitude on the show confirmed their suspicions.
@gma @Ezra Sosa & @Anna Delvey are saying goodbye to the @Dancing with the Stars #DWTS ballroom after a double elimination on Oscar night #dancingwiththestars #elimination #ezrasosa #annadelvey ♬ original sound – Good Morning America
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba also addressed the backlash surrounding Delvey’s participation in Dancing with the Stars. Inaba, who has been a longtime judge on the show, acknowledged the controversy but emphasized the importance of fairness in judging contestants solely on their performances in the ballroom, not their pasts.
“My comments about giving her a chance were more for the studio audience,” Inaba explained, referencing the cold reception Delvey received during her performance. “When someone enters your house as a guest, we should treat them with respect. That’s just being a good human.”
However, Inaba made it clear that the fans held the ultimate power through their votes. “The beauty of the show is that fans can vote or not vote for whomever they choose,” she added, highlighting the democratic nature of the competition.
Delvey’s participation in Dancing with the Stars was always going to be contentious. After serving four years in prison for grand larceny, among other charges, she has spent much of her post-prison life under house arrest, fighting deportation while attempting to rehabilitate her image. Despite her efforts to pivot towards redemption by joining the show, her past continues to loom large in the public consciousness.
Delvey’s inclusion on DWTS reignited conversations about her actions in New York’s elite social scene, where she conned hotels, restaurants, and financial institutions to maintain a lavish lifestyle. While some argue that she deserves a second chance, others see her continued presence in the media as an insult to the people she wronged.
Adding to the spectacle was Delvey’s ankle monitor, a visible reminder of her legal troubles. While some found this detail absurd, others saw it as a fitting symbol of the tension between her past and her attempts at moving forward.
Anna Delvey’s foray into the world of Dancing with the Stars was, in many ways, doomed from the start. Her attitude, perceived by many as disinterested and cold, combined with the shadow of her controversial past, created an uphill battle for redemption. While her partner, Ezra Sosa, did his best to support her and present a more human side to Delvey, the public was largely unforgiving.
Ultimately, Delvey’s time on the show was short, and the controversy surrounding her participation only added fuel to the debate over whether figures like her should be given a second chance on such a public platform. For many, the takeaway from her DWTS appearance was clear: attitude matters, and in this case, it may have been the biggest misstep of all.
