Fake heiress Anna Sorokin dons bejewelled ankle monitor for Dancing With The Stars debut
As one of the world’s most famous fraudsters she might be more used to an orange jumpsuit than a dancer’s costume.
But there was no mistaking Anna Sorokin as she waltzed back into the spotlight on the US series of Dancing With The Stars while wearing a bejewelled ankle monitor.
The 33-year-old, known as the “fake heiress”, was convicted in 2019 on multiple theft charges after posing as a wealthy socialite to infiltrate the elite of New York.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Under the name Anna Delvey she falsified records and deceived banks and the wealthy to swindle them out of more than $US263,000 ($390,000) .
Her story inspired the hit Netflix drama Inventing Anna, starring Julia Garner as the titular grifter.
And Sorokin, who wore a multicoloured two-piece outfit and heels, did not let the extra weight of her ankle tag affect her footwork.
She earned 18 points out of a possible 30 for her debut performance of the Cha Cha with professional partner Ezra Sosa.
The Russian-born fraudster, who is under house arrest, said she hoped fans of Dancing with the Stars who had negative opinions of her would give her a chance.
“I did serve my time and Dancing with the Stars is a way for me to show people a different side of me,” she said.
“My prior history shows I’m pretty determined. It’s a good quality to channel into something positive.”
She added: “I am wearing an ankle bracelet. I overstayed my visa because I was in jail.
“I reinvented myself many times and this time I’m going to be a ballroom dancer.”
Judges on the show include former Bruno Tonioli, a star of the UK version of the reality dance show Strictly Come Dancing.
The competition continues next Tuesday with the 13 couples all vying for the coveted glitterball trophy.
