Anna Delvey, who gained fame as Anna Sorokin, is currently a contestant on this season of “Dancing With the Stars,” and fan reactions have been varied.
The Russian-born con artist made headlines for pretending to be a wealthy socialite in New York City.
In 2019, Delvey’s fraudulent schemes finally caught up with her, resulting in her arrest and subsequent conviction for theft and grand larceny. Her story became a media sensation, ultimately inspiring Netflix’s popular series “Inventing Anna,” which dramatizes her life of crime.
In April 2019, Anna Delvey was sentenced to four to twelve years in prison for her convictions, which included grand larceny and theft of services.
Anna Delvey Competes On ‘Dancing With The Stars’
During her trial, the prosecution emphasized how Delvey deceived banks, friends, and hotels by portraying herself as a wealthy socialite and leading a luxurious lifestyle funded by borrowed money. The case garnered extensive media coverage and sparked discussions about privilege, deception, and the seductive nature of elite social circles.
Along with her prison term, she was also ordered to pay approximately $199,000 in restitution and a fine of $24,000.
After completing her sentence, Delvey was released on parole in early 2021 and is currently required to wear an ankle monitor. She has received special permission to leave her home and reside in Los Angeles while competing on “Dancing With the Stars.”
Fans Think This Michael Jackson Song Will Be Perfect For Anna Delvey
Delvey’s partner Ezra Sosa recently posted a TikTok video featuring the audio clip, “Count one, guilty. Count two, guilty,” poking fun at Anna Delvey’s criminal history. However, fans weren’t phased by the cheeky reference; instead, they suggested a particular Michael Jackson song for Delvey to incorporate into her dance routine.
“If y’all don’t do a ‘Smooth Criminal’ number,” one user commented.
“Please please yes….do ‘Smooth Criminal,'” another begged.
“IF YOU DON’T DO ‘SMOOTH CRIMINAL’ I SWEAR,” a third said.
Social Media Erupts With Support For Anna Delvey
Many others expressed their excitement for Delvey as she enters this new chapter.
“It’s the fact Anna could actually win this if you think about it!!!” one user said. “Like once she gets the the part where America starts to vote for who should win it’s over cause her fan base is humongous!!!!”
“My favorite duo,” another commented.
“FAVE DUO YALL ARE GETTING ALL OF MY VOTES,” one user claimed.
“Obsessed with you guys,” someone else wrote.
Anna Delvey’s Casting Causes Controversy
Anna Delvey remains in the spotlight with her public statements and appearances, particularly as she takes part in “Dancing With the Stars.”
“Who’s ever idea it was to have her on the show… bad idea,” one user said after seeing her “DWTS” debut.
“Since when did we start glorifying felons,” another said.
“So are we saying committing crimes and wearing an ankle monitor is a new fashion? Wtf are we promoting?” a third commented.
“Just, no. The amount of people who deserved this spot and didn’t get it because of her infuriates me. Ezra deserved better. The viewers deserved better,” someone else expressed.
Longtime “DWTS” alum Maksim Chmerkovskiy also expressed frustration with the producers for allowing a “professional liar” to compete while many talented individuals were passed over.
Anna Delvey Takes The Dance Floor For The First Time
After Delvey completed her first dance, judge Carrie Ann Inaba remarked that she sensed a distinct “shift in the energy” among the audience during their performance.
“When we go out there and we’re dancing, it’s just us two on the floor, and we honestly don’t [notice the crowd],” Sosa told Us Weekly. “Even when we finished the dance, we’re not really thinking about applause or anything.”
Delvey added, “It’s hard to say because we just moved fresh off the stage. I’m not sure what the public’s reaction was yet, so it’s hard to say.”
“Dancing With the Stars” is broadcast on ABC and Disney+ every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. Viewers can stream episodes on Hulu and Disney+ the day after they air.