Anna Sorokin, convicted con artist, appears

Los Angeles — Convicted con artist Anna Sorokin hits the dance floor on “Dancing with the Stars” in a feathery — and very shiny — ankle monitor.

Who was the so-called “false heir.” Convicted of defrauding banks, hotels and friends in 2019 After falsely building a reputation as a wealthy German heiress named Anna Delvey, the ballroom-worthy ankle monitor debuted during the new season premiere of “Dancing with the Stars” on Tuesday night.

“It's not really a big problem at all. It's pretty light and I asked them to tighten it up so it doesn't sag. So it's not that bad,” he told The Associated Press after the premiere. He and dance pro Ezra Sosa set a routine to Sabrina Carpenter's “Espresso.”

“It's the real star of the show, let's be honest here,” Sosa said of Sorokin's bedazzled ankle monitor.

“I think it's kind of funny how people like — it's not like ankle weights,” Sosa said. “It's not like 20 pounds. It's literally less than a pound and it's not a big deal.”

Sorokin admits his debut didn't go according to plan.

“I'm relieved it's over,” he said. “I think my dancing could have been a little better, but I'm glad I was able to do it and it was a great experience.”

Sorokin said he hopes audiences will be a little more forgiving His criminal history.

“Hopefully people will give me, give me a chance to show what I can do. And I've served my time and I've paid my dues,” he said.

Initial reviews from fans were not positive, with the phrase “Ana Delvey's Lackluster DWTS Debut” trending on social media site X.

when he was Released from prison in February 2021Immigration authorities picked him up shortly after he was deported, claiming that he had overstayed his visa and must return to his native Germany. “Bringing Invention” inspiration has been in ICE custody for more than a year before a judge The path to house arrest has been cleared for him October 2022 when he is fighting relegation.

The terms of his release had to be amended to allow him to travel from New York to Los Angeles for filming.

While under house arrest, Sorokin also engaged in a podcast And reality show.