DANCING With The Stars viewers are convinced that convicted fraudster Anna Delvey snubbed her partner before they even started their routine.
Fans are adamant the moment wasn’t planned during the opening episode of Season 33 which aired Tuesday night on ABC.
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Delvey, who managed to hoodwink New York’s elite that she was an heiress, hit the headlines when it was announced she would be part of this year’s cast.
She and her partner Ezra Sosa, a new pro on this year’s show, took to the floor and danced the Cha Cha – where she scored 18 points.
Delvey was sporting a blue, purple, and yellow outfit that was bursting with color – but also rocked her ankle tag that was covered in jewels.
Delvey was convicted on a slew of charges including grand larceny and was sentenced to prison before being released in February 2021.
She was arrested again just a month later over visa issues and was in custody at New York’s Orange County Correctional Facility for 17 months.
In October 2022, she was ordered to wear an ankle tag and was put on house arrest.
But, she has been granted permission to appear on the hit show that’s filmed in Los Angeles.
Delvey caused a stir among fans even before she started her routine to Sabrina Carpenter’s hit Espresso.
She opened her routine by posing at the top of some steps and seemed to be looking toward her partner.
But she then started to troop down the stairs while Sosa stuck his arms out as if he was shocked.
And the shocking moment wasn’t missed by eagle-eyed viewers.
Viewers were convinced that it was part of the routine.
“Really not planned,” one critic posted on X.
“She made a creative choice on the fly and it just didn’t work,” another said.
“She’s so unserious I was wondering if it was a bit, but watching this back I’m so dead. LMAO his face,” a third viewer chimed.
Other viewers felt sorry that the seemingly awkward moment happened during Sosa’s debut.
Critics have also said they want Delvey to be booted off the show next week.
“Oh I want her gone next week,” a viewer emphatically said.
Viewers also lashed out at ABC chiefs for signing up Delvey to the show.
And some were stunned that Delvey was referred to as a socialite and entrepreneur.
No celebrities left the dance contest this week but there will be a double elimination next week.
Following the show’s premiere, Delvey spoke about her routine and dancing while sporting an ankle monitor.
“It’s pretty light and I asked them to make it tight so it doesn’t dangle,” she told The Associated Press.
Meanwhile, Sosa joked the tag was the real star of the show.
Despite her notoriety, she’s hopeful that viewers will be sympathetic.
“Hopefully people will give me, will give me a chance to show what I can do,” she said.
Delvey avoided finishing at the bottom of the leaderboard after the opening night.
Actor Eric Roberts, who starred in the legal series Suits and the CBS show The Young and the Restless, scored 15 points.
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