Controversial Cast of Season 33 of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Features Anna Sorokin

Familiar Faces and a Controversial Contestant in Season 33 of “Dancing With the Stars”

This season’s lineup for “Dancing With the Stars” features a mix of familiar faces, intriguing personalities, and a touch of controversy. Among the competitors are notable athletes, reality TV stars, and actors looking to reignite their careers.

• Athletes: Former N.F.L. receiver Danny Amendola and Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik are set to showcase their moves on the dance floor.
• Reality TV Stars: Fans will recognize Jenn Tran from “The Bachelorette” and Phaedra Parks, a beloved cast member from “Real Housewives.”
• Actors: The lineup also includes actors with fading stars, such as Eric Roberts and Tori Spelling.

However, the most eye-catching announcement is the inclusion of Anna Sorokin, famously known as the fake heiress. Sorokin, who was convicted of grand larceny and theft, has made headlines for her elaborate schemes to pose as a wealthy German heiress named Anna Delvey. Her deceptive lifestyle allowed her to con various individuals in New York City’s elite circles out of significant sums of money.

In 2019, a jury found her guilty, leading to a sentence of four to 12 years in prison. Sorokin was ultimately released in 2022, but her story continues to captivate public interest. In a previous interview with The New York Times, she stated, “I’d be lying to you and to everyone else and to myself if I said I was sorry for anything,” revealing her unapologetic stance regarding her past actions.

ABC, the network that airs “Dancing With the Stars,” has not yet commented on Sorokin’s controversial casting. In a press release announcing the cast, she was referred to as Anna Delvey, described as an “artist, fashion icon, and infamous NYC socialite.” This choice has sparked discussions about the implications of featuring such a polarizing figure in a mainstream entertainment program.