Fans of *Dancing with the Stars* are upset after one of the dancers performed a mediocre cha cha while wearing a sparkly bracelet on her right ankle. What seemed like a simple accessory actually had a deeper meaning.
Despite the backlash, the dancer stood her ground, telling the quiet audience, “I’ve reinvented myself many times” and “this time I’m going to be a ballroom dancer.”
Keep reading to find out who this controversial performer is on the popular TV show!
Ezra Sosa faced a big challenge in season 33 of *Dancing with the Stars*, his first season as a professional dancer.
His partner claimed to have dance experience, but Ezra had his doubts. When asked about her background, he said, “She did ballet and modern,” then laughed and added, “I don’t think she did…”
Like many others, Sosa doesn’t fully trust what his partner says.
His partner, known as a “fake heiress,” was convicted of grand larceny after pretending to be a wealthy German heiress. She scammed many socialites and even some banks and hotels while living in New York.
Sosa’s partner is Anna Sorokin, who is also known as Anna Delvey. She was born in Russia and became famous after her crimes inspired the Netflix show *Inventing Anna*.
Delvey gained attention for defrauding people, banks, and hotels. The Netflix series features her story, with actress Julia Garner playing her role.
She was convicted of grand larceny multiple times in 2019 and was released from prison in 2021 for good behavior. However, after breaking the rules of her Visa, she was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and placed under home confinement.
Now considered a flight risk, she wears an ankle monitor while she fights to stay in the U.S. and avoid being deported back to Germany, where she is a citizen.
On September 17, Anna caused a lot of controversy with her appearance on the first episode of the new season of *Dancing with the Stars*.
After Delvey was introduced as a “fashionista and entrepreneur,” she and Sosa took to the dance floor to perform a cha-cha to Sabrina Carpenter’s song “Espresso.”
They wore colorful outfits in shades of blue, purple, pink, and yellow. Delvey added a sparkly ankle monitor to her look.
During their performance, Delvey explained her unusual accessory, saying, “I overstayed my visa because I was in jail, so it’s kind of hard to leave.” She laughed and added, “I did serve my time… I’ve reinvented myself many times, and this time I’m going to be a ballroom dancer.”
The judges praised Anna Delvey’s efforts and expressed their surprise at her performance.
Derek Hough said, “I’m kind of lost for words. You actually have the ability to be a really beautiful dancer. Truly, you really do… I was surprised.”
Bruno Tonioli added a more playful touch, saying, “Reinventing Anna … yet again! And it could be working!”
Carrie Ann Inaba addressed the unusual silence in the studio, saying, “When you came out on the dance floor, there was a shift in the energy in this room. I imagine this is scary for you, and I’m not for or against anything you’ve done. But this is about your dancing here.”
However, fans were less kind. Many criticized her “robotic” moves and “miserable face,” while others were upset about the ankle monitor.
“Ankle monitors are not iconic. She should not be on this show,” wrote one user on DWTS’s Instagram page. Another added, “Felons should not be given any sort of spotlight.”
One commenter took issue with her title, saying, “Ooof. ‘Fashionista and entrepreneur?’ No… criminal.” On the DWTS Facebook page, another fan expressed, “Let’s glamorize an ankle bracelet. I’m disgusted.”
Another Loss for The Bryant Family: Kobe’s Father Dies At Age 69…
The Bryant family has suffered another devastating loss. Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, has passed away at the age of 69. Joe Bryant, a former professional basketball player himself, had a significant influence on Kobe’s life and career. His death, which occurred just four years after Kobe’s tragic passing in a helicopter crash, has added another layer of grief to an already heartbroken family.
A Life Steeped in Basketball For Kobe Bryant’s Family
Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, right, has a laugh with his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, prior to participating in a pickup basketball game at Loyola Marymount on July 5, 2007
Joe Bryant’s life was deeply rooted in basketball, both as a player and coach. A forward who played in the NBA for teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Diego Clippers, he spent the latter part of his playing career in Italy.
Where his young son Kobe honed his basketball skills. Kobe often credited his father’s professional experience for shaping his own path to NBA stardom. After retiring from playing, Joe transitioned into coaching, including stints in Japan and the WNBA.
The Challenges of Father-Son Relationships
Kobe Bryant, Vanessa Bryant, Gianna Maria Onore and Natalia Diamante at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards 2016 held at the UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion in Westwood, USA on July 14, 2016.
Though Joe and Kobe shared a passion for basketball, their relationship wasn’t without its challenges. Tensions between the two grew in the early 2000s, reportedly due to Kobe’s decision to marry his wife, Vanessa, at a young age.
Despite these difficulties, the two reconnected later in life, especially after Kobe became a father himself. Joe Bryant’s passing leaves a complicated legacy, both as a father who lost his son tragically and as a man whose basketball journey mirrored Kobe’s early years.
Tributes from the Basketball World
Following the news of Joe Bryant’s passing, tributes have poured in from across the basketball community for the Bryant Family.
Former colleagues and players have shared memories of Joe’s approachable personality, basketball knowledge, and how he made a positive impact on and off the court. His coaching career, particularly with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, left a lasting influence on many young players. “Joe was a true basketball mind,” a former colleague said. Reflecting on the depth of his knowledge and his unique ability to mentor young talent.
A Legacy Carried by the Bryant Name
Joe Bryant’s death marks another chapter in the complex yet significant legacy of Kobe Bryant’s Family. From the streets of Philadelphia to the courts of the NBA and beyond, Joe’s life had a profound impact on those who knew him.
His influence, both in Kobe’s career and in his own right as a player and coach, will be remembered by many in the basketball world. His passing is a reminder of the personal and professional sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to the game.
Final Farewell
As the basketball world mourns the loss of Joe Bryant, his memory will continue to inspire the next generation of players.
Both for his contributions on the court and his role in shaping Kobe Bryant into the icon he became. The Bryant family’s strength and resilience in the face of repeated tragedies is a testament to their enduring legacy in the sport and beyond.
Sources
“Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, father of Kobe Bryant, dies at age 69” ESPN. July 16, 2024.
“Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, father of Kobe Bryant, dies at age 69” ABC News. July 16, 2024.
“Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, Kobe Bryant’s father, dies at 69” USA Today. Scooby Axson. July 16, 2024.
“Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, father of late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, dies at 69” LA Times. Steve Henson. July 16, 2024.
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