Anna Delvey: The Controversial Dance of a Con Artist on Dancing with the Stars

Written by Published

Anna Delvey's time on Dancing with the Stars was anything but ordinary, and her departure was just as striking. The 33-year-old con artist, infamous for her exploits as a faux German heiress, made headlines once again when she was eliminated from the September 24 episode. When host Julianne Hough posed the question about what she would take away from her experience, Delvey didn’t mince words. Her blunt response? "Nothing." This unexpected reply caught her professional partner, 23-year-old Ezra Sosa, off guard, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise. Hough, with a laugh, quickly wrapped up the episode, and as the credits rolled, the camaraderie among the cast members was palpable. Pro dancer Alan Bersten and contestant Dwight Howard made their way over to Delvey and Sosa, offering hugs in a show of support.

But let’s backtrack a bit. Delvey's journey on the show was riddled with controversy from the very start. Many fans expressed their discontent over her participation, given her notorious past of deceiving wealthy individuals, banks, and luxury hotels. After her arrest in 2017, Delvey was convicted of grand larceny and theft of services by 2019, raking in a mix of disbelief and fascination. Yet, rather than shy away from her past, Delvey embraced it. Sporting a bedazzled ankle monitor on the show was her way of owning her story. When she was cast, she made headlines by revealing that she had received special permission from ICE to compete, under the condition that she would wear the device. This revelation was a poignant reminder of her complex life: after serving her prison sentence and paying restitution, Delvey was released in February 2021, only to find herself detained by ICE for violating her visa terms. Since then, she’s been under house arrest in New York City, battling her deportation case.

While the audience might have been divided, Sosa shared his side of the story through a heartfelt TikTok video. He expressed shock at the negativity Delvey faced after her debut episode. “On my end, I was feeling so much positivity,” he said, reflecting on the contrast between the audience's reception and Delvey's experience. He revealed that after facing the press, Delvey was reading comments online and found herself overwhelmed. “They finally found her in the bathroom. She was crying. I’ve never seen her like that, and it broke my heart.” This candid moment painted a more human side to the often unyielding persona that Delvey presented.

One of the highlights of the final episode was a surprise appearance by Delvey's friend, actress Julia Fox. Fox provided some insight into Delvey's seemingly tough exterior, describing it as a defense mechanism. “Although Anna does put up this tough exterior, it's obviously a defense mechanism,” Fox remarked, shedding light on the layers that make up Delvey's character. This moment was a reminder that behind the headlines and the controversy, there is a person with feelings and vulnerabilities.

As the episode drew to a close, Delvey and Sosa took to the stage for what would be their final dance—a quickstep to the upbeat theme from The Devil Wears Prada, titled "Suddenly I See." Sosa’s choreography cleverly poked fun at Delvey's aloofness, highlighting the playful dynamic they had developed throughout the competition. At one point, Sosa humorously pulled at the corners of Delvey’s mouth to coax a smile, showcasing their chemistry and the lighter moments amidst the drama.

Despite her time on the show being short-lived, Delvey's departure was true to her persona: direct and unapologetic. Her parting words resonated with her public image, a blend of boldness and defiance.

For fans of the show, Dancing with the Stars continues to air on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes streaming on Hulu the following day. The juxtaposition of glitzy dance routines and the real-life struggles of its contestants keeps audiences tuning in week after week. While some may see the competition as mere entertainment, it often reveals deeper narratives about resilience, friendship, and the complexities of human nature.

As the curtain fell on Delvey’s brief stint, it became evident that her story is far from over. Her charisma and controversial background may have led to heated discussions, but one thing is for sure: she knows how to keep the spotlight on herself. Whether you loved her or were critical of her presence on the show, Delvey managed to captivate audiences in her unique way.

In conclusion, Anna Delvey's chapter on Dancing with the Stars is a fascinating blend of glitz, grit, and audacity. While her journey was cut short, it undoubtedly left an impression on fans and fellow contestants alike. As she navigates life under house arrest, fighting her deportation case, we can only wonder what her next move will be. The world is watching, and if there's anything Delvey has shown us, it’s that she’s not going anywhere quietly. She’s ready to take on whatever comes next, ankle monitor and all.

With her indomitable spirit and penchant for drama, Anna Delvey has turned her life into an ongoing saga, proving that she knows how to keep the intrigue alive. Whether in a dance studio or on the streets of New York City, she remains a figure of fascination—a con artist, a dancer, and an enigma wrapped in controversy. So as the lights dimmed on her dance career, we can be certain this isn’t the last we’ll hear of Anna Delvey. Stay tuned, because her story is far from finished.