Anna Delvey stuns 'DWTS' viewers by snubbing dance partner Ezra Sosa in premiere's unplanned moment

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The 'Dancing With The Stars' Season 33 premiere had viewers buzzing, but not just for the usual glitter and footwork.

Convicted fraudster Anna Delvey, known for conning New York’s elite, made waves before her dance even began. Fans were quick to speculate that Delvey deliberately snubbed her dance partner, Ezra Sosa, during their opening routine.

Anna Delvey's surprise move leaves her partner stunned

The drama unfolded when Anna Delvey, who has been in the headlines since her casting was announced, began her routine by standing atop a staircase, looking towards Ezra Sosa.

But instead of gracefully joining him on the dance floor, she confidently marched down the stairs, leaving Sosa visibly surprised, throwing his arms up in what appeared to be genuine shock, according to the US Sun.

Though her Cha Cha to Sabrina Carpenter’s 'Espresso' scored a modest 18 points, it was this unplanned moment that left eagle-eyed viewers wondering if Delvey’s snub was intentional. Many are convinced it wasn’t scripted, adding to the controversy surrounding her participation.

For her debut, Delvey sported a vibrant blue, purple, and yellow ensemble, but even more eye-catching was her bedazzled ankle monitor.

The monitor, a requirement of her house arrest since October 2022, was adorned with jewels.

Delvey reportedly addressed the unusual accessory after the show, noting, “It’s pretty light and I asked them to make it tight so it doesn’t dangle.” Her partner, Sosa, joked that the ankle monitor “was the real star of the show.”

Eagle-eyed viewers quickly noticed the apparent snub as many were convinced it wasn’t part of the routine.

“Really not planned,” one critic posted on X, as reported by the US Sun. “She made a creative choice on the fly and it just didn’t work,” another added.

Some viewers even felt bad that the awkward moment happened during Sosa’s debut. “She’s so unserious I was wondering if it was a bit, but watching this back I’m so dead. LMAO his face,” a viewer chimed in.

Anna Delvey's controversial casting on 'Dancing With The Stars' sparks criticism

Anna Delvey’s presence on 'Dancing With The Stars' has been a point of contention since she was announced as a contestant in August.

Having been convicted on multiple charges, including grand larceny, and serving time in prison, she was released in February 2021, only to be rearrested a month later due to visa issues.

After spending 17 months in custody at New York’s Orange County Correctional Facility, Delvey was granted permission to participate in the show, filmed in Los Angeles.

Despite the backlash, Delvey remains hopeful, telling The Associated Press, (as per Daily Herald), “Hopefully people will give me a chance to show what I can do.” And for now, she’s safe from elimination. No contestants were sent home during the premiere, but the stakes will rise with a double elimination next week.

Though her ankle monitor may have stolen the spotlight, Delvey avoided finishing at the bottom of the leaderboard, managing to outscore actor Eric Roberts, who earned just 15 points for his debut.

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