In a shocking twist, the internet is in a frenzy after a highly controversial figure made her grand entrance on “Dancing with the Stars.” Fans were quick to voice their displeasure with what unfolded during the latest episode. Discover the identity of the contestant sparking heated conversations online!
A notorious woman teamed up with pro dancer Ezra Sosa to deliver a sizzling Cha Cha set to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” on the latest episode of “Dancing with the Stars.” This marked her much-anticipated debut on the show.
The contestant at the premiere of “Dancing with the Stars,” 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Though their lively performance captivated the audience, it was her daring accessory that truly turned heads during the Season 33 premiere of “Dancing with the Stars” on September 17, 2024.
Touted as a “fashionista and entrepreneur” at the beginning of the show, the 33-year-old strutted onto the dance floor sporting a sparkling ankle monitor. The metal piece flawlessly matched her colorful ombre ensemble of blue, purple, pink, and yellow.
Ezra Sosa and his dance partner appear on “Dancing with the Stars” on September 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
As if that wasn’t enough, the device was finished off with a decorative bow, adding a playful touch to the female contestant’s already striking appearance. The contestant’s ankle monitor became a topic of conversation in a pre-recorded segment shown before her performance.
While rehearsing with her partner, she tripped over the device. Sosa jokingly remarked, “That ankle monitor is kind of inhibiting you today,” as they worked through their routine.
The contestant and Ezra Sosa on “Dancing with the Stars” on September 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Carrie Ann Inaba later addressed the situation directly during the judges’ comments. Inaba acknowledged the noticeable shift in the room’s energy when the contestant stepped onto the dance floor.
She encouraged everyone to approach the situation with an open mind, saying, “Let’s all just give this a chance. […] I’m not pro, or for, against anything that you’ve done. But this is about your dancing here.”
Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, Alfonso Ribeiro, the contestant, and Ezra Sosa on “Dancing with the Stars” on September 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Inaba’s fellow judges shared mostly encouraging remarks about the contestant. Bruno Tonioli humorously quipped that she was “reinventing Anna once again,” while Derek Hough was left nearly speechless, acknowledging her untapped potential.
Ezra Sosa and his dance partner on “Dancing with the Stars” on September 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
During the segment, the contestant explained the reason behind wearing the ankle monitor, “I overstayed my visa because I was in jail, so it’s kind of hard to leave. I did serve my time.”
Julianne Hough, the contestant, and Ezra Sosa on “Dancing with the Stars” on September 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Viewers at home seemed more focused on the ankle monitor than on the contestant’s actual performance with her dance partner. The accessory garnered more attention than the moves on the dance floor.
Ezra Sosa and his dance partner appear on “Dancing with the Stars” on September 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
“The ankle monitor will go down in history,” commented one YouTube user. Another asked, “Wait…that ankle monitor is real?? WHO IS THIS WOMAN?” Someone else found it amusing, writing, “The zoom in on the bedazzled Ankle Monitor LMAO.”
A close-up of the contestant’s ankle monitor during a performance on “Dancing with the Stars” on September 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
At the same time, many online users were outraged that this played out on national television, with several expressing their strong disapproval.
One person said, “The whole thing is just disgusting.” Another noted, “[…] They always need 1 controversial celebrity on every season.” One viewer declared that the woman doesn’t deserve a spot in the dancing competition, while another expressed sympathy for her dance partner.
