Famous Con Artist Anna Delvey Joins Cast Of Dancing With The Stars
Anna Sorokin, better known as the infamous con artist Anna Delvey, is set to compete on the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars.
Who is Anna Sorokin?
Sorokin gained widespread attention after her story of posing as a wealthy German heiress in New York was dramatised in the Netflix series Inventing Anna. Now, she will be dancing alongside professional Ezra Sosa while still wearing an ankle monitor, as she remains under house arrest fighting deportation.
Sorokin, who scammed New York’s social elite out of over $200,000, was released from prison in 2021 after serving four years. She has since been on house arrest, but managed to secure permission from ICE to participate in the competition. Her spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, confirmed she has been allowed to travel within a 70-mile radius of her home in New York.
"I kind of got talked into doing this," she told The Hollywood Reporter, admitting that once she received permission, there was no turning back.
Despite her criminal history, Sorokin seems bothered by her ankle monitor’s impact on her dancing.
"It’s actually pretty light," she said, and even joked about "bejewelling" it for the show.
Sorokin joins pommel horse superman Stephen Nedoroscik on new season of DWTS
Sorokin joins a star-studded cast for Dancing with the Stars that includes athletes like NFL star Danny Amendola and Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik, alongside actors like Tori Spelling and Eric Roberts.
While some viewers have questioned her inclusion in the show, Sosa is excited for the public to see "the real Anna Delvey" and believes her "dance ability" will surprise people.
Known for her boldness, Sorokin doesn’t seem fazed by the pressure.
When asked if she was nervous about the competition, she quipped, "What's the worst that can happen? They can’t arrest me for dancing badly."
It’s clear she views this opportunity as a way to have fun and "get in a little workout."
Sorokin’s casting has sparked mixed reactions, with some expressing discomfort over a convicted felon joining the show. However, Dancing with the Stars has a history of bringing controversial figures into the spotlight, from boxer Floyd Mayweather to animal rights activist Carole Baskin. Sorokin’s appearance is just the latest in a line of divisive contestants.
Despite the controversy, Sorokin remains one of the most talked-about participants in this season’s lineup. Her transition from con artist to reality TV star marks yet another unexpected chapter in her life. Whether she’ll charm viewers as she once did New York’s elite, or simply stir more debate, remains to be seen.
Dancing with the Stars returns on September 17, airing on ABC and streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
