Anna Delvey, the infamous con artist who became known for defrauding New York’s elite, shocked the public once again—not with another scam, but with her short-lived appearance on Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). Despite being convicted of grand larceny and posing as a wealthy German heiress, Delvey’s attempt to pivot from scandal to ballroom dancer stirred a new wave of criticism. From her underwhelming performance to her perceived lack of enthusiasm, Delvey left viewers outraged, leading to an explosive social media reaction.
A Controversial Start: Why Anna Delvey’s Casting on ‘DWTS’ Raised Eyebrows
When Anna Delvey, whose real name is Anna Sorokin, was announced as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, the decision was met with mixed reactions. Many questioned why a convicted criminal was being given a platform on a family-friendly show that celebrates talent and transformation.
Known for defrauding over $200,000 from New York’s elite through deceit and manipulation, Delvey’s participation in the show seemed at odds with the typical redemption arcs viewers are used to seeing on DWTS. The fact that she was cast while still wearing an ankle monitor—due to ongoing legal battles with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—only added fuel to the controversy.
As one social media user put it, “This is absurd. How does someone with an ankle monitor become a ‘star’?”
Anna Delvey’s Underwhelming Performance Leaves Viewers Cold
Delvey’s journey on DWTS came to a head on September 24, when she and her professional dance partner, Ezra Sosa, performed a Quickstep to KT Tunstall’s “Suddenly I See.” The song choice, which many associate with The Devil Wears Prada, might have set the stage for a fun and lively performance, but instead, it left viewers unimpressed.
Critics of Delvey’s performance pointed out her lack of enthusiasm and energy, with many feeling that she appeared disinterested in the competition. One viewer summed it up perfectly, saying, “It seems like she doesn’t want to be there. All the other contestants seem to have more enthusiasm, even if they’re not the best dancers.”
Ezra Sosa and Anna Delvey seen performing on “Dancing with the Stars” | Source: YouTube/dancingwiththestars
Ultimately, Delvey and Sosa were eliminated in a double-elimination round, alongside Tori Spelling and her partner, Pasha Pashkov. After their elimination was announced by hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, viewers expressed relief, with one commenting, “So glad Anna was sent home. What an awful attitude!”
Behind the Scenes: Ezra Sosa Speaks Out About Delvey’s Struggles
While Delvey’s on-stage demeanor was criticized, her partner, Ezra Sosa, painted a more sympathetic picture. Following their elimination, Sosa shared a heartfelt video on Instagram, explaining the struggles Delvey faced during her time on the show. According to Sosa, Delvey was deeply affected by the overwhelming negative comments and harsh criticism.
Sosa revealed that after their premiere performance, Delvey had broken down in tears, unable to handle the onslaught of online hate. “She was reading the comments, and we couldn’t find her,” he recounted. “They finally found her in the bathroom. She was crying. I’ve never seen her like that.”
Despite Delvey’s controversial past, Sosa expressed compassion for her, saying that no one deserves the level of hate she received. While he acknowledged that he couldn’t defend her past actions, he believed that Delvey was trying to turn a new leaf and deserved a second chance.
@ezrasosa week 1 hit harder than expected, but we’re only getting started ❤️ @Anna Delvey #dwts ♬ original sound – Ezra Sosa
Carrie Ann Inaba Defends Fairness in the Ballroom
Even DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inaba weighed in on the Delvey controversy. While acknowledging the skepticism surrounding Delvey’s participation, Inaba focused on the importance of fairness in judging her performance. She urged the audience to give Delvey a fair chance in the ballroom, regardless of her past.
“My comments about giving her a chance were more for the studio audience,” Inaba explained. “The energy in the room was really low when she danced, and I think when someone enters your house as a guest, we should treat them with respect.”
@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
Despite Inaba’s plea, the fan votes ultimately sealed Delvey’s fate, and she was eliminated early in the competition.
Anna Delvey’s Attempt at Redemption: Did It Work?
Anna Delvey’s stint on Dancing with the Stars may have been short-lived, but it certainly sparked a lot of conversation. Some saw her participation as an attempt at redemption—a way to show a different side of herself outside of her criminal past. However, her subdued performance and apparent lack of enthusiasm made it difficult for viewers to connect with her.
Delvey’s struggles on the show, coupled with the intense scrutiny from the public, suggest that her attempt to step into the spotlight for a fresh start might have been premature. Though her partner, Sosa, insisted that Delvey had been working hard behind the scenes, the general consensus among viewers was that her attitude left much to be desired.
Public Reaction: Divided Opinions on Delvey’s ‘DWTS’ Appearance
As with anything involving Anna Delvey, opinions on her time on DWTS were divided. On one hand, there were those who believed she had no place on the show to begin with, arguing that her criminal past disqualified her from being a worthy contestant. On the other hand, some viewers admired Delvey for stepping outside of her comfort zone and attempting to rehabilitate her image.
One viewer voiced support, saying, “Not everyone has to pretend to be America’s sweetheart. I enjoy her because she’s real.”
But for the most part, the criticism was fierce. Many felt that Delvey’s notorious past continued to overshadow any potential for growth or redemption on the show. As one person succinctly put it, “She’s not a star. Why is she even here?”
Conclusion: A Rocky Road for Anna Delvey’s ‘DWTS’ Journey
Anna Delvey’s time on Dancing with the Stars was, in many ways, reflective of her larger public persona—controversial, divisive, and endlessly debated. While her participation sparked outrage and curiosity in equal measure, her early exit from the competition suggests that she failed to win over viewers who were hoping for a more compelling redemption arc.
For now, it remains unclear whether Delvey can successfully leave her past behind and craft a new narrative for herself. What is certain, however, is that her appearance on DWTS has once again thrust her into the spotlight, for better or for worse.
