Anna Delvey, a name that once dominated headlines for her audacious fraud schemes, is back in the public eye—but not for the reasons you might expect. The infamous "fake heiress" who swindled New York's elite is currently trending due to her appearance on Dancing With the Stars (DWTS), where she's competing while wearing an ankle monitor. This unexpected juxtaposition of crime and entertainment has reignited interest in her story and stirred up significant controversy.
Why Is Anna Delvey Trending?
Anna Delvey, whose real name is Anna Sorokin, became notorious for posing as a wealthy German socialite in New York City. She managed to scam hotels, restaurants, and even some of her closest friends, ultimately being convicted of grand larceny and fraud. After serving time in prison, she has been released but remains under house arrest, which explains her bejeweled ankle bracelet on Dancing With the Stars. Her participation in the show, despite her criminal history, has drawn significant attention and mixed reactions from the public.
Delvey's participation in DWTS has not only reignited debates around her past but also raised questions about society’s fascination with infamous personalities. Her presence on such a popular, family-oriented show has sparked a conversation about redemption, entertainment, and the celebration of controversial figures.
Controversy Surrounding Her DWTS Casting
Delvey's casting on DWTS has been met with heavy criticism, and not just from the public. Former DWTS alum Maksim Chmerkovskiy has been particularly vocal about his disapproval. In a recent interview on The TMZ Podcast, Chmerkovskiy slammed her inclusion on the show, expressing his disbelief that the competition would give a platform to someone with her criminal background. He also took a jab at her dancing skills, stating that he would "absolutely not" believe anything she says.
Despite the criticism, Delvey has continued to compete on the show, partnering with professional dancer Ezra Sosa. However, the backlash has clearly taken a toll on her. According to a report from People, Delvey was so overwhelmed by the negative comments after the show's premiere that she hid in the bathroom, crying. Her partner, Sosa, later took to Instagram to defend her, sharing how the backlash has impacted her emotionally.
The Ankle Bracelet That Made Headlines
One of the most talked-about aspects of Delvey’s appearance on DWTS is the ankle bracelet she's required to wear due to her house arrest status. While some viewers were initially surprised to see the device, it’s a stark reminder that Delvey’s legal troubles are far from over. She’s still serving her sentence under house confinement, which is why she’s only allowed to participate in the show remotely.
Interestingly, Delvey has embraced the ankle bracelet as part of her persona, even going so far as to bedazzle it. This move has been interpreted as her attempt to reclaim the narrative and turn a symbol of constraint into a fashion accessory. However, for many, the visible ankle monitor continues to symbolize the gravity of her past actions, despite her attempts to blend it into her performance.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Debate
Delvey's participation in DWTS has sparked a broader conversation about the ethics of giving high-profile opportunities to individuals with criminal backgrounds. While some believe in the concept of redemption and second chances, others argue that her crimes were too severe to justify her current celebrity status. Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s strong disapproval of her casting echoes the sentiments of many who feel that Delvey's newfound fame might be sending the wrong message.
In contrast, Delvey's supporters argue that she has served her time and deserves the chance to rebuild her life. Her presence on DWTS could be viewed as part of a larger cultural shift that embraces flawed, complex characters, even if they have a criminal past. Still, the polarizing nature of Delvey’s appearance on the show is evident, as online backlash continues to pour in.
What’s Next for Anna Delvey?
It's unclear how far Delvey will progress in the competition, but her participation in DWTS has already reignited interest in her story. Whether she wins or leaves early, the spotlight on her is unlikely to fade any time soon. Her controversial past, combined with her ongoing legal troubles and house arrest, ensures that she will remain a trending figure—whether as a cautionary tale or a symbol of redemption, depending on one’s perspective.
As Delvey continues to compete, both her critics and supporters will be watching closely. For now, her journey on DWTS is a reminder of how far someone can fall—and perhaps how far they can rise again, even if the path is fraught with controversy.