In a move that has social media buzzing, Anna Sorokin, the notorious fake heiress who captivated New York’s social scene and inspired the Netflix hit Inventing Anna, is set to appear on Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars—ankle monitor and all.
Known by her alias Anna Delvey, Sorokin swindled New York’s elite and was eventually convicted of grand larceny and other charges. Since her release from prison, she’s been under house arrest in New York for overstaying her visa. Despite these legal constraints, Sorokin is now trading courtrooms for dance floors. The promo photo for her DWTS debut, which premieres on September 17, shows her striking a pose with her ankle monitor prominently displayed, told WWD.
“You’ve never seen a Dancing with the Stars promo photo quite like this,” a fan remarked on social media after her image was shared widely on X (formerly known as Twitter). The reaction has been mixed, with some users intrigued by her inclusion and others questioning whether she deserves a spot on the beloved show.
While Sorokin’s casting may be the most attention-grabbing, she’s not the only big name set to grace the ballroom. Jenn Tran, the latest Bachelorette, will also be competing, though her participation wasn’t mentioned during her emotionally draining three-hour finale, in which viewers were forced to relive her proposal to a man who later ended their engagement over the phone.
The show’s producers are also capitalizing on the excitement surrounding the upcoming Paris Olympics by casting rugby player Ilona Maher and viral pommel horse sensation Stephen Nedoroscik for this season.
The star-studded lineup for Season 33 includes a diverse group of celebrities, from former NFL wide receiver Danny Amendola to NBA veteran Dwight Howard, and actors like Family Matters’ Reginald VelJohnson, Pretty Little Liars: Summer School’s Chandler Kinney, and Runaway Train star Eric Roberts. Reality TV personalities like Real Housewives of Atlanta star Phaedra Parks and Beverly Hills: 90210 actor Tori Spelling will also be lacing up their dancing shoes.
Whether you’re tuning in for the dance moves or the drama, this season of Dancing with the Stars promises to be one for the books—especially with Anna Sorokin’s controversial appearance stirring the pot.