Anna Sorokin's 'Dancing With the Stars' Debut: Sparkles and Scrutiny

In a surprising turn of events, Anna Sorokin, the convicted con artist known for her fraudulent activities as a fake German heiress, made her debut on the popular dance competition show "Dancing With the Stars" on September 17, 2024. The 33-year-old Russian-born woman, who gained notoriety for her elaborate schemes, took to the dance floor wearing a sparkly ankle monitor, a stark reminder of her ongoing legal situation.

Sorokin, born on January 23, 1991, performed alongside professional dancer Ezra Sosa to Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso." The routine marked an unusual chapter in the life of a woman who, just five years ago, was convicted of multiple counts of attempted grand larceny, theft of services, and larceny in the second degree.

"It's actually not a big issue at all. It's pretty light and I asked them to make it tight so it doesn't dangle. So it's not so bad."

The ankle monitor, which Sorokin must wear as part of her home confinement terms, became an unexpected focal point of her performance. Sosa commented on the device, noting its minimal impact on their routine.

Sorokin's appearance on the show comes after a complex legal journey. Following her release from prison in February 2021, she was immediately taken into custody by immigration authorities due to visa issues. In October 2022, a judge allowed her to switch to home confinement while she contests deportation to Germany, where she lived from age 16 before moving to New York in 2013.

The former socialite expressed hope that viewers would give her a chance, acknowledging her past mistakes and emphasizing that she had served her time and repaid restitution. Interestingly, Sorokin used money from Netflix, which acquired the rights to her life story for the series "Inventing Anna," to compensate her victims.

Initial public reaction to Sorokin's performance was mixed, with some viewers expressing skepticism about her participation in the show. The phrase "Anna Delvey's Lackluster DWTS Debut" trended on social media, indicating a less than enthusiastic reception.

"Dancing With the Stars," which premiered in 2005 and has had 31 seasons as of 2022, is no stranger to featuring controversial figures. The show, which moved from ABC to Disney+ in 2022, pairs celebrities with professional dancers in a ballroom dance competition judged by both a panel of experts and viewer votes.

As Sorokin continues her journey on the show, it remains to be seen how her participation will affect public perception and her ongoing legal battles. With over 1 million Instagram followers and various business ventures launched since her release, including an NFT collection, Sorokin's appearance on "Dancing With the Stars" adds another layer to her complex public persona.