Anna Sorokin, the infamous con artist who posed as a wealthy German heiress named Anna Delvey, has been announced as a contestant on the upcoming season of “Dancing With the Stars.” Known for her high-profile scams that led to her 2019 conviction for swindling banks, hotels, and friends, Sorokin will join other celebrities like former NBA star Dwight Howard, actor Tori Spelling, and Jenn Tran, the recent lead of “The Bachelorette.”
Sorokin, described as the “notorious ankle bracelet fashionista,” has been under house arrest since October 2022, wearing an ankle monitor. Despite this, the show is embracing her situation, even featuring a promo image of her in a glittering dress with the ankle monitor visible. After her release from prison in February 2021, she was detained by immigration authorities for overstaying her visa and has been fighting deportation to Germany while under house arrest.
Her spokesperson confirmed that under her current house arrest conditions, she can travel within 70 miles of her home and anywhere in New York City’s five boroughs. However, it’s unclear if these conditions will change to accommodate filming in Los Angeles.
While under house arrest, Sorokin has kept busy with a podcast, “The Anna Delvey Show,” featuring guests like comedian Whitney Cummings and technology journalist Taylor Lorenz. She expressed in a June 2023 interview that many people have turned notoriety into new opportunities, and “Dancing With the Stars” seems to be her first major attempt at doing the same.
The 33rd season of “Dancing With the Stars” premieres on September 17 on ABC and Disney+. Sorokin will be partnered with Ezra Sosa, a former troupe member promoted to a “pro” this season. The show will also feature Olympic stars like Stephen Nedoroscik, known as “Pommel Horse Guy,” and Ilona Maher, a rugby player and social media personality. The series is hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough.
Sayart / Amia Nguyen, amyngwyen13@gmail.com
