Who Is the 'Fake Heiress' Who Turned New York Society Upside Down with All Lies?

The so-called 'fake heiress' who turned New York high society upside down has shared her later story. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Hana Na] The so-called 'fake heiress' who shook up New York's social scene last year has recently expressed remorse for her crimes, drawing attention as related aftermath stories emerge.

On the 25th (local time), major foreign media reported that Anna Sorokin (29), who is serving a minimum four-year prison sentence on charges of fraud and theft, has finally admitted her wrongdoing.

According to the transcript of the parole board hearing held on October 6, Sorokin said, "I did something truly shameful and want to say sorry," adding, "Many people suffered because of me."

Sorokin appeared in New York's social scene in 2013 under the alias 'Anna Delvey,' captivating figures in the fashion and art worlds and becoming an influencer.

Claiming to be a German heiress, she adorned herself in luxury brands from head to toe, stayed at Manhattan's top hotels, and regularly dined at upscale restaurants.

However, her fraudulent activities were uncovered in October 2017. Not only was she not a millionaire heiress, but her background consisted solely of dropping out of fashion school and interning at a fashion magazine.

Reports indicate that her supposed millionaire father was actually a former truck driver currently running a heating and cooling business. She also forged documents to secure loans exceeding $200,000 from financial institutions and borrowed money from acquaintances, making excuses that transfers were delayed.

Ultimately, in May last year, Sorokin was sentenced to four to twelve years in prison on multiple theft charges and for obtaining loans with forged documents, fined $24,000, and ordered to pay $200,000 in restitution.

Her antics attracted attention even in court, where she hired a stylist to appear in glamorous outfits, drawing media focus.

Additionally, Netflix took interest in Sorokin's fake life as material for films and dramas, signing a contract worth $100,000.

Meanwhile, media reports suggest Sorokin is likely to be paroled in February next year and deported to Germany upon release. When asked how she plans to support herself if she remains in the U.S., she replied, "I am writing a book to become a writer," adding, "If that doesn't work out, I'll wash dishes to earn money."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.