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Infamous Con Artist Anna Sorokin Steps Into Reality TV with Dancing With the Stars

09/05/2024

Anna Sorokin, the infamous con artist convicted in 2019 for defrauding banks, hotels, and friends by posing as a wealthy German heiress named Anna Delvey, has embarked on a new venture: “Dancing With the Stars.”

Labelled as the “notorious ankle bracelet fashionista” in a press release, Sorokin was revealed Wednesday on “Good Morning America” alongside former NBA star Dwight Howard, actor Tori Spelling, and Jenn Tran, the recent “Bachelorette” lead whose season concluded in heartbreak just a day earlier. Tran, who is the first Asian American “Bachelorette,” had previously been a contestant on Joey Graziadei’s season of “The Bachelor” — and now, Graziadei will also be competing for the coveted trophy.

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Sorokin’s new role brings its own set of complications due to the ankle bracelet she has worn since October 2022, a condition of her house arrest. The show seems to embrace this aspect, showcasing a promo image of Sorokin donning a glittering dress with the ankle monitor visibly attached. Although she was released from prison in February 2021, immigration authorities detained her shortly after her release, alleging she had overstayed her visa and should be deported to her native Germany. The inspiration for Netflix’s “Inventing Anna,” Sorokin was held in ICE custody for over a year before a judge permitted her transfer to home confinement in October 2022, as she contests her deportation.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has not responded to requests for comment on any potential modifications to Sorokin’s house arrest terms to allow for filming in the Los Angeles area. Juda Engelmayer, Sorokin’s spokesperson, confirmed Tuesday that under her current house arrest conditions, she could travel within a 70-mile radius of her home base and anywhere in New York City’s five boroughs but declined to address any changes to those restrictions.

During her house arrest, Sorokin was required to comply with a judge’s directive prohibiting her from using social media. Despite this, she kept herself busy by launching a podcast, “The Anna Delvey Show,” which featured guests such as comedian Whitney Cummings and technology journalist Taylor Lorenz, who visited her New York’s East Village apartment to record.

“Dancing With the Stars” is Sorokin’s first significant attempt to pivot her infamy into a mainstream avenue. She will be a competitor in the upcoming 33rd season, premiering September 17 on ABC and Disney+.

Joining Sorokin is Team USA’s breakout Olympic star Stephen Nedoroscik, also known as “Pommel Horse Guy.” The 25-year-old gymnast, who won two bronze medals in Paris, became an internet sensation through memes highlighting his pre-competition preparation and his Superman-like transformation before performing.

Another U.S. Olympian in the competition is Ilona Maher, a rugby player and bronze medalist who gained popularity with her humorous TikToks and body positivity messages.

The series, hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, also announced the promotion of Ezra Sosa from a troupe dancer to a professional; he will be partnered with Sorokin. Notably, Artem Chigvintsev, who was recently arrested on a domestic violence charge, will not return as a professional dancer this season.

The full lineup of celebrities competing in the upcoming season of “Dancing With the Stars” includes:

Former Super Bowl champion Danny Amendola
Anna Sorokin, branded as “Anna Delvey” per the show’s release
Joey Graziadei from “The Bachelor”
Former NBA champion Dwight Howard
Chandler Kinney, star of “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin”
Rugby player and Olympian Ilona Maher
Model Brooks Nader
Gymnast and Olympian Stephen Nedoroscik
Phaedra Parks, attorney and “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star
Eric Roberts, prolific actor and brother to Julia and father to Emma
Tori Spelling of “Beverly Hills 90210”
Jenn Tran from “The Bachelorette”
Reginald VelJohnson of “Family Matters” and “Die Hard”