Anna Sorokin, also known as Anna Delvey, is no stranger to controversy. Once accused of scamming banks, friends, and businesses out of $275,000 by posing as a wealthy German heiress, she’s now making headlines again—this time as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). Her participation in the iconic show has sparked outrage and heated discussions online, with many questioning whether someone with her criminal history deserves a platform.
Ezra Sosa and Anna Sorokin on “Dancing with the Stars,” on September 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
While her criminal past has made her infamous, DWTS could offer Sorokin a substantial payday if she stays in the competition long enough. But how much could she actually make from the show? Let’s break down the financial structure of the DWTS pay scale and take a closer look at the scandal surrounding her involvement.
Anna Sorokin’s DWTS Debut: A Controversial Start
Sorokin’s DWTS journey began in September 2024, when she teamed up with professional dancer Ezra Sosa to perform a Cha Cha to Sabrina Carpenter’s song “Espresso.” While their performance received praise from the judges, it wasn’t Sorokin’s dancing that had viewers talking. Her past as the “socialite scammer” overshadowed her debut, leading many to voice their disapproval on social media.
One viewer commented, “There needs to be a rule for banning controversial contestants.” Another echoed the sentiment, writing, “She’s not a celeb, she’s a con artist.” Despite the backlash, Sorokin remains in the competition and, like her fellow contestants, stands to make a considerable sum of money.
How Much Could Anna Sorokin Earn from DWTS?
DWTS is known for paying its celebrity contestants handsomely, especially those who make it far in the competition. According to several sources, contestants receive $125,000 for the rehearsal period and the first two weeks of the show. This base salary covers their initial participation, regardless of how they perform.
As the weeks progress, the pay structure increases, with contestants earning additional money based on how long they stay in the competition. In 2010, the payment system worked as follows:
- Weeks 3 and 4: $10,000 per episode
- Weeks 5 and 6: $20,000 per episode
- Weeks 7 and 8: $30,000 per episode
- Weeks 9 and 10 (the final two weeks): $50,000 per episode
This means that the maximum amount a contestant could earn in a season is $295,000. While these numbers have fluctuated slightly over the years, it’s clear that Sorokin stands to make a significant sum, especially if she manages to reach the later stages of the competition.
Fans’ Reactions: Should a Convicted Con Artist Be on DWTS?
Anna Sorokin’s presence on DWTS has left many fans questioning the decision to allow someone with her criminal history to participate. Known for deceiving banks and socialites by pretending to be a wealthy heiress, Sorokin’s actions led to her conviction on multiple charges, including grand larceny and theft of services. She was sentenced to 15 years in prison but was released early for good behavior in 2021.
Anna Sorokin and Ezra Sosa on “Dancing with the Stars,” on September 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fans have taken to social media to express their outrage, with one viewer stating, “I’m still shocked the government allowed her to compete on Dancing with the Stars.” Another fan voiced concerns about the message Sorokin’s inclusion sends, writing, “She must go in the first week… bad example for young people.”
Despite the backlash, DWTS has historically featured controversial figures, and Sorokin is no exception. The show’s producers likely knew that her involvement would stir debate, potentially boosting viewership as a result.
The Rise and Fall of Anna Sorokin: From Glamorous Life to Global Infamy
Sorokin’s story is one of deception, manipulation, and eventual downfall. Born in Russia and raised in Germany, Sorokin moved to New York City, where she adopted the persona of Anna Delvey, a wealthy German heiress. She quickly became a fixture in Manhattan’s elite social circles, dining at upscale restaurants, attending exclusive events, and hosting lavish parties.Disclaimer
However, behind the glamour, Sorokin was living a lie. She defrauded banks, hotels, and even close friends to fund her extravagant lifestyle. At one point, she convinced a friend to cover the $62,000 bill for a luxury vacation to Marrakesh, Morocco, promising to pay her back—a promise she never kept.
Anna Sorokin and Ezra Sosa on “Dancing with the Stars,” on September 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Her scam lasted for 10 months before she was arrested in 2017. In 2019, Sorokin was convicted of multiple counts of grand larceny and theft and was sentenced to prison. Though her actions shocked the world, they also fascinated it, leading to widespread media coverage and, eventually, a Netflix series based on her life titled Inventing Anna, which premiered in 2022.
The DWTS Pay Structure: How Far Could Sorokin Go?
As with all DWTS contestants, Sorokin’s earnings will depend on how long she remains in the competition. If she is eliminated early, she will still walk away with the $125,000 base salary. However, if she advances through the rounds, her earnings will increase substantially, potentially reaching close to $300,000 if she makes it to the final two weeks.
Anna Sorokin is seen in the courtroom during her trial at the New York State Supreme Court in New York on April 11, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
The financial breakdown highlights the potential for Sorokin to profit significantly from her appearance on the show. Given her notoriety and the public’s fascination with her story, it’s possible that Sorokin could attract enough attention to stick around for multiple weeks, boosting her earnings even further.
Is Redemption Possible for Anna Sorokin?
Anna Sorokin’s participation in DWTS raises important questions about redemption and the role of reality television in shaping public perception. While some viewers are outraged by her inclusion, others may view her appearance as an opportunity for Sorokin to redeem herself and turn over a new leaf.
Anna Delvey poses for a photo at her home in New York City, on November 16, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
However, given her unapologetic stance on her past crimes—Sorokin famously stated, “I’m not sorry. I’d be lying if I said I was sorry for anything.”—it’s unclear whether she seeks redemption at all. For Sorokin, DWTS may simply be another opportunity to stay in the public eye and capitalize on her infamy.
Conclusion: A Controversial Contestant, Big Earnings on the Horizon
Whether Anna Sorokin wins Dancing with the Stars or not, one thing is certain: she stands to make a substantial amount of money from her participation. Despite her past and the public outcry surrounding her involvement, Sorokin will be compensated handsomely for her time on the show.
As the season progresses, viewers will be watching closely to see how far she goes—and whether the public will ultimately embrace or reject the controversial contestant. One thing is certain: Anna Sorokin continues to make headlines, for better or for worse.
