Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars will feature New York City’s convicted con artist, Anna Delvey, aka Anna Sorkin. After posing as a wealthy German heiress, defrauding everyone in sight, Anna’s sentencing consisted of four to 12 years in prison. She got out early in 2021 due to her ability to act right in lock-up. However, Anna is still on the hook, so when DWTS called, she had to get permission from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) first.
Anna Delvey had to ask ICE’s permission to star on DWTS
Shortly after Anna walked out of prison, she entered into the custody of ICE. That’s what happens when you violate the terms of a visa. Anna is still fighting off her deportation case. Until her case settles, Anna is biding her time, living under house arrest in New York City.
Anna’s presence was a tad hard for the casting department. They had to take several additional steps to secure her role. “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,” she told PEOPLE. “It took them about ten days to get it through the system and to get everything approved,” Anna added.
Due to this lag, Anna almost missed her shot. “By the time I got the approval, it was very close to the starting day. So I flew to LA pretty much the next day, and I just decided, why not?” she recalled.
Her decision tracks. Why would anyone want to stay home and stare at their walls in NY when a chance to break free from their chains and dance exists in CA? But also, not all chains will be broken, as Anna has to compete in her ankle monitor. But this non-name brand accessory should not hinder her performance(s) as Anna admits, “It’s pretty light.”
Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars premieres on September 17 at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+.
TELL US – ARE YOU WATCHING ANNA ON DWTS SEASON 33? SHOULD THE NETWORK GIVE THIS PLATFORM TO A CONVICTED CRIMINAL?
