Anna Sorokin, aka ‘Delvey,’ Embraces Controversy Ahead of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Competition
By [Your Name], Staff Reporter
Anna “Delvey” Sorokin is embracing her controversial past as she prepares to compete in the upcoming season of “Dancing With the Stars.”
Sorokin was convicted in 2019 for grand larceny and other financial crimes after misrepresenting herself as a German heiress with a substantial trust fund. She served two years in prison and faced an additional 18 months of detention under immigration authorities for overstaying her visa.
Currently, Sorokin is under house arrest in New York, monitored by an ankle device, while she appeals a deportation order. In a recent interview with People, Sorokin confirmed that she had obtained permission from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to travel to Los Angeles, the production location for the show.
Her story gained broader recognition when Netflix adapted it into the highly popular 2022 series “Inventing Anna.”
Despite the turbulence of her past, both Sorokin and ABC are leaning into the notoriety that brought her fame. In a press release announcing the cast for Season 33, she is described as the “Notorious ankle bracelet fashionista Anna Delvey.” For this season, she will be dancing alongside professional dancer Ezra Sosa.
“Some view her as a cunning scam artist, while others see her as a charismatic and ambitious entrepreneur who took advantage of New York City’s social elite in an effort to open a prestigious art studio,” states her biography in the press release. “Her case has also sparked discussions about wealth, privilege, and social climbing in modern society. Her story continues to captivate the public’s imagination.”
In promotional materials for the reality dance competition, Sorokin appears in a press photo, prominently featuring her court-ordered ankle bracelet.
CNN has reached out to ABC for further comment regarding Sorokin’s participation in the show.
The roster of contestants for the new season includes:
- Super Bowl Champion Danny Amendola with partner Witney Carson
- Notorious ankle bracelet fashionista Anna Delvey with partner Ezra Sosa
- From “The Bachelor,” Joey Graziadei with partner Jenna Johnson
- NBA Champion Dwight Howard with partner Daniella Karagach
- TV star Chandler Kinney with partner Brandon Armstrong
- Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher with partner Alan Bersten
- Model and cover girl Brooks Nader with partner Gleb Savchenko
- Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik with partner Rylee Arnold
- Reality royalty Phaedra Parks with partner Val Chmerkovskiy
- Movie star Eric Roberts with partner Britt Stewart
- TV icon Tori Spelling with partner Pasha Pashkov
- From “The Bachelorette,” Jenn Tran with partner Sasha Farber
- Sitcom and movie actor Reginald VelJohnson with partner Emma Slater
The show’s new season will premiere on September 17, where the pairs will be judged by celebrated ballroom experts Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough.
