Fans of *Dancing with the Stars* are upset after one of the dancers performed a mediocre cha cha while wearing a sparkly bracelet on her right ankle. What seemed like a simple accessory actually had a deeper meaning.
Despite the backlash, the dancer stood her ground, telling the quiet audience, “I’ve reinvented myself many times” and “this time I’m going to be a ballroom dancer.”
Keep reading to find out who this controversial performer is on the popular TV show!
Ezra Sosa faced a big challenge in season 33 of *Dancing with the Stars*, his first season as a professional dancer.
His partner claimed to have dance experience, but Ezra had his doubts. When asked about her background, he said, “She did ballet and modern,” then laughed and added, “I don’t think she did…”
Like many others, Sosa doesn’t fully trust what his partner says.
His partner, known as a “fake heiress,” was convicted of grand larceny after pretending to be a wealthy German heiress. She scammed many socialites and even some banks and hotels while living in New York.
Sosa’s partner is Anna Sorokin, who is also known as Anna Delvey. She was born in Russia and became famous after her crimes inspired the Netflix show *Inventing Anna*.
Delvey gained attention for defrauding people, banks, and hotels. The Netflix series features her story, with actress Julia Garner playing her role.
She was convicted of grand larceny multiple times in 2019 and was released from prison in 2021 for good behavior. However, after breaking the rules of her Visa, she was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and placed under home confinement.
Now considered a flight risk, she wears an ankle monitor while she fights to stay in the U.S. and avoid being deported back to Germany, where she is a citizen.
On September 17, Anna caused a lot of controversy with her appearance on the first episode of the new season of *Dancing with the Stars*.
After Delvey was introduced as a “fashionista and entrepreneur,” she and Sosa took to the dance floor to perform a cha-cha to Sabrina Carpenter’s song “Espresso.”
They wore colorful outfits in shades of blue, purple, pink, and yellow. Delvey added a sparkly ankle monitor to her look.
During their performance, Delvey explained her unusual accessory, saying, “I overstayed my visa because I was in jail, so it’s kind of hard to leave.” She laughed and added, “I did serve my time… I’ve reinvented myself many times, and this time I’m going to be a ballroom dancer.”
The judges praised Anna Delvey’s efforts and expressed their surprise at her performance.
Derek Hough said, “I’m kind of lost for words. You actually have the ability to be a really beautiful dancer. Truly, you really do… I was surprised.”
Bruno Tonioli added a more playful touch, saying, “Reinventing Anna … yet again! And it could be working!”
Carrie Ann Inaba addressed the unusual silence in the studio, saying, “When you came out on the dance floor, there was a shift in the energy in this room. I imagine this is scary for you, and I’m not for or against anything you’ve done. But this is about your dancing here.”
However, fans were less kind. Many criticized her “robotic” moves and “miserable face,” while others were upset about the ankle monitor.
“Ankle monitors are not iconic. She should not be on this show,” wrote one user on DWTS’s Instagram page. Another added, “Felons should not be given any sort of spotlight.”
One commenter took issue with her title, saying, “Ooof. ‘Fashionista and entrepreneur?’ No… criminal.” On the DWTS Facebook page, another fan expressed, “Let’s glamorize an ankle bracelet. I’m disgusted.”
Tragic house explosion claims lives of two beloved brothers
In a tragic occurrence in Defiance, Missouri, a house explosion claimed the lives of two young boys.
Julian Keiser, four, and Jamison Keiser, six, died when their home caught fire on Friday morning. Grieving neighbors and community members remembered them as the “nicest little boys” who brought joy to all who knew them.
Evelyn Turpiano, the boys’ mother, and their grandparents, Jennifer and Vern Ham, were able to escape the burning home and reach safety. Unfortunately, the severity of the fire made it impossible for firefighters to reach Julian and Jamison in time. Despite a concerted effort from the community, rescue attempts were unsuccessful. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
The Hoffmann Family of Companies, based in Florida and owners of the property where the tragedy occurred, has extended their condolences to the family as a show of support. Known for their active involvement in the local community, the Hoffmanns have been working to transform the region into the Midwest’s Napa Valley by acquiring wineries and eateries.
To support the grieving family through their devastating loss, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up. So far, more than $145,000 has been raised, reflecting the tremendous support from friends, neighbors, and even strangers. The funds will help cover funeral expenses and aid the family in rebuilding their lives after the loss of their home and possessions.
In a show of solidarity, the Defiance community has rallied around the grieving family. Laura Emerson, a local resident, commemorated the boys by placing a Christmas wreath on a water pump near the charred remains of their home. She adorned the wreath with two stuffed animals to celebrate the boys’ joyful spirits and the love they brought to others.
We are so very sorry for this devastating loss. May these loving boys rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family.
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