Con artist Anna Delvey, whose life story inspired the Netflix series Inventing Anna, has signed up to be a contestant on Dancing With The Stars, the US version of Strictly Come Dancing. Delvey - whose real name is Anna Sorokin - has become infamous for her crimes, pretending to be a wealthy socialite in New York. This year's Dancing With The Stars cast also includes two Team USA Olympians, rugby player Ilona Maher and gymnastic bronze medallist Stephen Nedoroscik, and Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Tori Spelling. Also on the dancefloor will be Oscar nominee Eric Roberts and Real Housewives of Atlanta star Phaedra Parks. Sorokin will be paired on the show with professional dancer Ezra Sosa - and will be wearing an ankle monitor as she competes. She has worn the ankle monitor since 2022 when she started her house arrest, AP reported. She has been fighting a deportation order.
Her spokesperson Juda Engelmayer told AP that she was able to travel within 70 miles (110km) of her home and anywhere within New York City under previous house arrest conditions, but could not comment on any changes to those rules. The fraudster was found guilty in 2019 of theft of services and grand larceny, having scammed more than $200,000 (£145,000) from banks and luxury hotels. She would tell people she had a $60m (£46m) trust fund and an ambitious project to create an eponymous arts foundation. But she was, in fact, a recent magazine intern, who came from an ordinary family of Russian immigrants living in Germany.
By staying in expensive hotels and presenting a jet-set life on Instagram, she managed to trick others into believing her fantasy and picking up her bills. Her story came to international attention in 2018 after a New York Magazine feature by writer Jessica Pressler. It was then adapted by Shonda Rhimes, the creative force behind Grey's Anatomy, Bridgerton and Scandal, in a Netflix series where Sorokin was played by Julia Garner. Sorokin was paid $320,000 (£230,000) by Netflix for Inventing Anna - but she was not able to keep all the Netflix money, owing to a New York law that prevents criminals from profiting from their notoriety. "I never asked for Netflix to buy my story, it just happened," Sorokin told the BBC in 2021, following her release from prison. "And everything else, it just spun out of my control."
Anna Delvey's Dancing Debut: A Twist in the Tale
Delvey's participation in the show raises questions about her travel restrictions and the potential impact of her ankle monitor on her performance. When asked how the monitor could impact her performances, Delvey implied that there would be no effect. "In what way would it affect my performance? It’s actually pretty light," she said, before offering THR’s Neha Joy to touch the bracelet. Delvey's inclusion in the show is a testament to the power of reality TV to showcase diverse and unconventional personalities. While Delvey's past may be controversial, her presence on "Dancing With the Stars" offers a unique opportunity to see her navigate a new challenge and potentially redeem her image.
More Than Just Dancing: Delvey's Multifaceted Ventures
Delvey's foray into dance competition is just one of her multifaceted endeavors. She has also been making waves in the fashion world, walking the runway at the Shao New York show during New York Fashion Week. Delvey's participation in the show highlights her ambition and entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing her desire to move beyond the "fake heiress" narrative and establish a new identity. Delvey's story is a captivating reminder of the complex interplay between fame, notoriety, and the pursuit of success, particularly in the era of social media. Her ability to leverage her past into new opportunities demonstrates her resilience and strategic thinking. As she steps onto the "Dancing With the Stars" stage, Delvey's journey continues to captivate audiences, raising questions about the blurred lines between reality and fiction and the ever-evolving nature of fame.
From Con Artist to Ballroom Dancer: A Case of Celebrity Redemption?
Anna Delvey's transition from con artist to ballroom dancer is a testament to the captivating allure of reality TV and its ability to transform even the most notorious figures. While some may question her inclusion in the show, Delvey's participation presents a unique opportunity to explore the complexities of redemption and the potential for second chances. As she takes on the challenge of mastering dance, she is attempting to reinvent herself, demonstrating a willingness to embrace a new chapter in her life. Whether she wins over audiences with her dance skills or captivates them with her unconventional story, Anna Delvey's journey on "Dancing With the Stars" promises to be a captivating and thought-provoking spectacle.
