Anna Delvey, the notorious conman whose elaborate schemes swindled millions, is hitting the headlines once again – but this time, not as a fraudster. The woman who inspired the Netflix series Inventing Anna is to appear on the US version of Dancing With the Stars. Best known for her audacious deceptions as a supposed New York socialite, Delvey is now trading her high society antics for ballroom dance routines.
A new stage for Anna Delvey
Anna Delvey, whose real name is Anna Sorokin, made headlines around the world for her elaborate frauds in the New York social scene. By pretending to be a wealthy heiress, she swindled more than $200,000 from banks, hotels and acquaintances. Now, she’s making her way into the world of dance by joining the cast of Dancing With the Stars – a surprising turn for a figure previously known only for her criminal exploits.
Delvey’s participation on the show has garnered buzz, and she will be paired with professional dancer Ezra Sosa. The new season of Dancing With the Stars features a mix of personalities, including Olympians Ilona Maher and Stefan Nedorosik, actress Tori Spelling, Oscar nominee Eric Roberts, and Real Housewives of Atlanta star Phaedra Parks.
From Con Artist to Dance Floor
Sorokin’s backstory is well-documented. She was convicted in 2019 of theft of services and grand theft after she defrauded several high-profile targets by claiming she had a $60 million trust fund and an ambitious art project. Her deceit included staying in luxury hotels and flaunting a glamorous lifestyle on Instagram while presenting herself as a wealthy socialite. However, the truth was far less glamorous: Sorokin was a recent magazine intern from an ordinary family of Russian immigrants living in Germany. Her elaborate deception caught the attention of journalist Jessica Pressler, who wrote a fascinating feature for New York Magazine in 2018. The article eventually became the basis for Inventing Anna, a Netflix series produced by Shonda Rhimes, the creator of hits like Grey’s Anatomy and Bridgerton. Sorokin’s portrayal by Julia Garner brought even more attention to the imposter’s story.
Despite the notoriety and the Netflix series, Sorokin’s journey has not been without obstacles. Although she was paid $320,000 for the rights to her story, New York law prevents her from keeping all the money, as it prevents criminals from profiting from their crimes.
Dance Floor Debut
Sorokin’s decision to join Dancing With the Stars is a marked change from her previous public image. The reality TV show, known for pairing celebrities with professional dancers to compete in a ballroom dancing competition, offers Sorokin a new platform. The contrast between her past life of deception and her current foray into dance is striking.
This move into reality TV can be seen as an attempt by Sorokin to rediscover herself and move on from her controversial past. By participating in a mainstream entertainment show, she may be trying to rebuild her public image and find new ways to connect with the public beyond her criminal history.
Public response and future prospects
Public response to Sorokin’s casting on the show has been mixed. While some viewers are eager to see how she performs and whether she is able to reestablish herself in the public eye, others are skeptical about her participation in such a high-profile entertainment event. The dance floor will not only be a stage for Sorokin to showcase her skills, but also a battleground for public opinion.
Sorokin’s appearance on Dancing with the Stars may also raise questions about the limits of celebrity culture and the nature of rehabilitation. It’s a chance for her to showcase a different side of herself, but it also offers a chance to examine how society treats people who have been notorious for their criminal acts.
Conclusion
Anna Sorokin’s journey from a convicted thug to a contestant on Dancing With the Stars is a remarkable story. Her presence on the show highlights the often blurred lines between fame, redemption and public forgiveness. As she prepares to take to the dance floor, Sorokin’s story continues to captivate people, reflecting broader questions about how we view and judge people who have been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
Whether she is able to dance her way back to public favor remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Anna Delvey’s life remains as dramatic as ever.