In today’s episode of what the hell is wrong with the world?, it has just been announced that Netflix-famous con-artist Anna “Delvey” Sorokin will be taking part in the next edition of Dancing With the Stars (DWTS). And if you’re scratching your head over which celebrity will be twirling with the 33-year-old, hold onto your hats—because the convicted felon is stepping into the spotlight as the star to be danced with.
The reality show, which airs on American broadcast television network ABC, obviously came under fire after the announcement. Delvey is expected to join the 33rd season of the show. In the official promo pictures, released earlier this week, the fraudster can be seen wearing an ankle monitor, a requirement made by local authorities as she remains under house arrest following her indictment for her crimes.
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Delvey initially rose to infamy after orchestrating a series of high-profile scams, financial frauds, and elaborate cons that targeted New York’s elite social circles. Arrested in 2017 and convicted of grand larceny in the first, second, third degree, as well as theft of services two years later, her life story gained international recognition following Netflix’s dramatization of her bold manners and courtroom drama in Inventing Anna (2022).
Following her highly mediatized trial, Delvey was sentenced to prison for a period ranging from four to 12 years before being released in 2021 for good behavior. Soon after her release, Delvey was detained by ICE for overstaying her visa. Since then, she has been under house arrest in a 44m2 apartment in Manhattan while she battles her deportation case.
Still currently under house arrest, Delvey revealed in an exclusive interview with People that she had to seek permission from ICE to participate in the show—permission they reportedly granted.
“Well, [DWTS] approached my team and I had to request ICE for permission to travel out of state because it’s being filmed in Los Angeles and I’m based in New York,” the 33-year-old said. “It took them about 10 days to get it through the system and to get everything approved,” she added.
It has been reported that she will be paired to dance with Internet personality Ezra Sosa, who is filling in for Russian dancer Artem Chigvintsev after he tested positive for COVID-19.
After American serial-killer Jeffrey Dahmer and notorious “Tinder swindler” Simon Leviev, Delvey is the latest criminal to experience stardom and capture the public’s fascination, following the TV adaptation of their controversial lives.
Blurring the lines between fame and infamy, Delvey’s forthcoming gig forces us to confront some pretty uncomfortable questions: Who really deserves the spotlight? Can we turn a blind eye to someone’s actions providing they’re seen as trendy? Should we separate a person from their actions, and where does forgiveness fit into this messy equation? While we look for answers, it’s safe to say that Delvey’s participation in the show is not only a slap in the face to her victims but also a glaring indicator of how our culture is increasingly obsessed with bad behavior, provided it’s wrapped in enough hype.
