Con Artist Anna Delvey Joins “Dancing with the Stars,” Ankle Monitor Included

Convicted fraudster Anna Sorokin, widely known as Anna Delvey, is set to feature in the upcoming 33rd season of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” marking her transition from notorious criminal to celebrity. Delvey gained fame for her notorious high-profile scams and deceptions, which were so elaborate that they inspired a nine-part Netflix series titled “Inventing Anna,” where she was portrayed by Julia Garner.

Joining her on the dance floor are notable figures including “90210” star Tori Spelling, NBA champion Dwight Howard, Jenn Tran from “The Bachelorette,” and Olympic pommel horse medalist Stephen Nedoroscik. Other competitors this season will include “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Phaedra Parks and Ezra Sosa, who will be Delvey’s dance partner, as confirmed by Good Morning America.

Sosa expressed his enthusiasm to The Hollywood Reporter, stating that the media’s representation of Delvey is not entirely accurate. He eagerly anticipates that audiences will get to see the “real Anna Delvey.” In promotional images for the show, Delvey is seen wearing an ankle monitor and a shimmering gown. She is currently under house arrest but has permission to travel within the five boroughs of New York City.

Despite the monitor, a consequence of her fraudulent activities involving fake wire transfers and defrauding elite individuals, Delvey believes it won’t significantly affect her dance performances. “In what way would it affect my performance? It’s actually pretty light,” she remarked in a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter.

Delvey, who has since become a real-life it-girl, is also involved in an ongoing immigration case. Although she was temporarily allowed to stay in the U.S. in 2022, she continues to fight to remain in the country. She confirmed that she received permission from ICE to participate in the show.

The German citizen was accused in 2021 of overstaying her visa, adding another layer to her already complicated legal situation. Despite these challenges, Delvey is poised to make a splash on “Dancing with the Stars,” as the show’s 33rd season kicks off on ABC on Tuesday, Sept. 17.