Anna Delvey's Early Elimination

Anna Delvey, the notorious figure who gained fame as the "fake German heiress," has shockingly been eliminated early from this season's 'Dancing With the Stars' (DWTS), leaving fans and critics buzzing. Many had anticipated her swift exit, fueled by an avalanche of criticism over her casting.

A Controversial Arrival

Delvey and her dance partner, Ezra Sosa, faced the judgment of viewers and judges alike after their quickstep performance on Tuesday night, which failed to impress. When asked by host Julianne Hough what she took away from her experience on the show, Delvey's response was blunt: "Nothing."

The controversial arrival of Anna Delvey, whose real name is Anna Sorokin, onto DWTS sparked plenty of debate. Previously convicted in 2019 for grand larceny—having swindled an astonishing $275,000 from hotels, banks, and affluent New Yorkers—Delvey had already captured the public's interest. Her story inspired the hit Netflix miniseries 'Inventing Anna,' further immortalizing her unconventional path of deception and intrigue.

Legal Complications

The drama around her participation didn’t end with the dance floor. Delvey needed approval from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to compete after being detained in 2021 for overstaying her visa. To add to the spectacle, she appeared on stage wearing an ankle monitor, a stark reminder of her complicated legal entanglements.

Public Outcry and Mixed Sentiments

The public outcry leading up to her first performance was palpable. Prominent figures voiced their concerns, with former DWTS professional Cheryl Burke suggesting that partnering with someone as controversial as Delvey was a challenge for newcomer Sosa. Whoopi Goldberg also spoke out, highlighting the struggles of families affected by ICE, stating that Delvey's participation glossed over these serious issues.

As one might expect, public sentiment was mixed. Many expressed anger over what they viewed as glorification of Delvey’s criminal past. Social media was ablaze with calls to stop celebrating someone who had effectively flaunted the law.

Impact on Show Ratings

Despite the backlash, Delvey’s presence seemed to draw attention to the show's ratings. The season premiere on September 17 attracted nearly 5 million viewers—an increase from the prior season, showcasing that her controversial casting might have stirred more interest than producers had anticipated.

The Judges' Reactions

During her opening dance, a cha-cha set to Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso," the judges' reactions were a mix of surprise and skepticism. Judge Derek Hough admitted he was "lost for words" when it came to Delvey's potential, while Bruno Tonioli captured the audience's attention with colorful remarks about Delvey's reinvention. However, Carrie Ann Inaba highlighted the noticeable tension, emphasizing a "shift in energy" during the performance.

Delvey's Aspirations

In a recent statement to USA TODAY, Delvey expressed her aspirations: "I was incredibly nervous for my first dance, but I believe I performed well under the circumstances. I know I'm not a fan favorite yet, but I'm committed to winning people over through my perseverance. I’m a fighter and the ultimate underdog."

The Ongoing Debate

The question lingers: Has Anna Delvey's presence on DWTS added a compelling layer to the competition, or has it merely eclipsed the spirit of the dance? As fans and critics alike continue to weigh in, one thing is for certain: the ramifications of her participation will be discussed long after the curtains have closed. What do you think? Should a former con artist be allowed to chase the spotlight again? Join the conversation!