“Inventing Anna”: Julia Garner plays con artist Anna Delvey
Anna Sorokin, aka Anna Delvey, is making headlines again after her story was told in a new Netflix show. But who is the so-called German heiress?
Scott L. Hall, Callie Carmichael and Patrick Colson-Price, USA TODAY
The biggest couple at the premiere of “Dancing With the Stars” on Tuesday night was convicted con artist Anna Delvey with her rhinestone-encrusted ankle bracelet legally attached to her right leg.
Delvey (aka Anna Sorkin), the real theme of the Shonda Rhimes Netflix series “Inventing Anna” was convicted in 2019 and served a prison sentence for defrauding banks, hotels and rich friends under the false reputation of a wealthy German heiress.
But Delvey showed off her new role as a socialite, a mediocre cha-cha dance and her sparkly fitness bracelet in Tuesday’s season 33 premiere after sparking national outrage with the reality show’s casting.
Delvey was introduced as a New York “fashionista and entrepreneur” and was used as the last dancer of the evening to grill every curious viewer during the hour-long “DWTS” premiere.
The silence in the studio audience – which had been clamoring for Olympian Stephen “Pommel Horse Guy” Nedoroscik and rugby sensation Ilona Maher, among others – was palpable as Delvey led them through a dance to “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter with new professional dancer Ezra Sousa.
Tori Spelling, Ilana Maher Join Anna Delvey on “Dancing With the Stars”
Anna Delvey’s perfume bottles burst into flames on the digital background screens, but there was no heat to be felt in her dancing or her “DWTS” banter.
“In 2017, I was charged with multiple counts of grand larceny,” Delvey said in her extraordinary voice-over package before her dance, which saw her struggle with the ankle bracelet during rehearsals. “I’ve served my time and ‘Dancing With the Stars’ is a way to show people a different side of me.”
“My history so far shows that I’m pretty determined,” added Delvey, showing off the best turn of the night. “That’s a good quality to channel into something positive.”
Delvey explained that she has been wearing the ankle bracelet since “I overstayed my visa because I was in prison.”
“It was hard to leave,” she added, giggling. “I’ve reinvented myself many times. This time I’m going to be a ballroom dancer.”
How did the judges rate Anna Delvey on “Dancing With the Stars”?
They were friendly. Former professional dancer Derek Hough seemed shocked that he had to speak first and stammered a few unfocused compliments to the judges. He said he was “kind of surprised.”
The otherwise bombastically enthusiastic juror Bruno Tonilo came up with a funny comment.
“Reinvent Anna again,” he said. “And it might work.”
Instead of criticizing, judge Carrie Ann Inaba criticized the studio audience (and actually the television audience) for their monotonous reaction.
“The energy has changed. Let’s all give it a chance,” Inaba said. “This is about your dance. Let’s all please give it this space.”
The judges gave Delvey just 6 points for a total of 18 points, putting the couple in the middle of the pack. “Anna Delvey’s lackluster DWTS debut” became a trending term on social media site X after Tuesday’s performance.
Who went home on Dancing With the Stars?
No dance couple was eliminated on Tuesday night. The scores and viewer votes from the first two weeks will be added together and will be included in the first elimination on September 25th.
During the post-dance interview, Delvey did herself no favors by giving bland answers to questions from the lively (and much improved from last year) co-host Julianne Hough. “Why did Delvey dance?” Hough asked.
“Why not?” Delvey replied. “I hope America gets a chance to see a different side of me.”
Hough asked how it felt to end the dance.
“I’m glad I don’t have to do that again,” Delvey replied.
“Well, you may have to do another one next week,” Hough replied.
