Anna Sorokin, the infamous con artist who duped banks, hotels, and friends by posing as a wealthy German heiress under the alias Anna Delvey, is making headlines once again—this time as a contestant on Dancing With the Stars.
Sorokin’s participation is complicated by her current legal situation. She has been under house arrest since October 2022, a condition symbolized by the ankle bracelet she continues to wear—and something the show’s promotional material has already capitalized on by featuring her in a sparkling dress with the bracelet visible on her leg.
The announcement was made on Good Morning America, where it was revealed that Sorokin, dubbed the “notorious ankle bracelet fashionista,” will join a lineup that includes former NBA player Dwight Howard, actress Tori Spelling, and Jenn Tran, the first Asian American ‘Bachelorette,’ whose recent season ended in heartbreak.
The show, hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, has promoted dancer Ezra Sosa to the role of ‘pro,’ partnering him with Sorokin. Meanwhile, Artem Chigvintsev, who was recently arrested on a domestic violence charge, will not be returning as a pro dancer this season.
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Although Sorokin was released from prison in February 2021, her freedom was short-lived after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained her for overstaying her visa.
She spent over a year in ICE custody before a judge allowed her to transition to home confinement as she fights deportation to Germany.
It is unclear how Sorokin’s house arrest conditions will be adjusted to accommodate filming in Los Angeles. ICE has not responded to inquiries regarding possible changes to her restrictions.
However, her spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, said that under the previous terms, Sorokin was allowed to travel within a 70-mile radius of her New York City home, although he did not provide details on any new arrangements.
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Since being under house arrest, Sorokin has launched her own podcast, entitled, The Anna Delvey Show. In it, she interviews guests such as comedian Whitney Cummings and tech journalist Taylor Lorenz from her East Village apartment.
Dancing With the Stars marks Sorokin’s first significant attempt to pivot her infamy into mainstream success. She’ll be competing in the 33rd season, which premieres on Sept. 17 on ABC and Disney+.
Joining her on the dance floor are notable figures such as Stephen Nedoroscik, the U.S. Olympic gymnast known as “Pommel Horse Guy,” who became a viral sensation during the Paris Olympics. Also competing is another Olympian, rugby player Ilona Maher, known for her humorous TikToks and body positivity content.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press