New York, United States – Anna Delvey, a notorious fraudster and fake German heiress whose real name is Anna Sorokin, faced an early exit from the current season of Dancing With the Stars after being eliminated during the show’s second episode. Delvey, whose elaborate schemes to swindle individuals out of cash, goods, and services were documented in New York Magazine, drew inspiration for the Netflix series “Inventing Anna,” where she was portrayed by Julia Garner.
During the Oscars-themed episode of Dancing With the Stars, Delvey and her partner Ezra Sosa performed a quickstep to KT Tunstall’s “Suddenly I See.” Despite her nonchalant attitude, Delvey’s participation on the show raised eyebrows, as she had recently been released from prison in 2021 after serving a four-year sentence for her crimes. Delvey had been under house arrest while fighting a deportation case, but received permission from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to compete on the dance competition.
The decision to allow Delvey to participate on the show sparked controversy, with critics, including the co-hosts of ABC’s The View, questioning the fairness of her inclusion. Some argued that Delvey, who still owed money to her fraud victims, should not have been given the opportunity to compete on a nationally televised program. In response to the criticism, Delvey took to social media to defend herself, stating that she had already repaid all of her restitution to her victims.
Despite the backlash, Delvey remained defiant, expressing her desire to have fun and stay active during her time on Dancing With the Stars. Her presence on the show highlighted the complexities of redemption and second chances in a society that often struggles to forgive those who have committed serious offenses. As Delvey’s journey on the dance competition came to an end, it left viewers pondering the true meaning of justice and the possibility of rehabilitation for individuals like her.