Inventing Anna: The True Story of Anna Delvey

Anna Delvey, the Russian-born German socialite who swindled New York’s elite out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, is back in the spotlight with the release of the Netflix series “Inventing Anna”. The show, which is based on the 2018 New York magazine article “How Anna Delvey Tricked New York’s Party People”, details Delvey’s elaborate scheme to pass herself off as a wealthy German heiress.

Background and Context

Delvey was born Anna Sorokin in Russia in 1991. Her family moved to Germany when she was 16, and she began using the surname Delvey in her early 20s.

Key Facts and Latest Updates

In 2013, Delvey moved to New York City and quickly insinuated herself into the city’s social scene. She claimed to be the daughter of a wealthy German diplomat and used forged bank statements and other documents to support her claims.

Delvey’s lavish lifestyle included designer clothes, luxury hotel stays, and private jet travel. She also befriended wealthy individuals and persuaded them to lend her money for various projects, including a Soho art club and a magazine.

In 2017, Delvey’s scheme began to unravel. She was arrested and charged with multiple counts of grand larceny and attempted grand larceny. In 2019, she was convicted and sentenced to four to 12 years in prison.

In February 2021, Delvey was released from prison after serving nearly four years. She was deported to Germany in March 2023.

Analysis and Impact

Delvey’s story has fascinated the public and spawned numerous articles, books, and now a Netflix series. Experts say that her case highlights the dangers of social media and the ease with which people can create false identities online.

“Delvey’s story is a cautionary tale about the importance of being vigilant about who you trust,” said Jessica Reese, a professor of criminology at the University of California, Irvine.

Delvey’s case also raises questions about the role of social media in our lives. “Social media has made it easier than ever for people to create and maintain false identities,” said Reese. “We need to be aware of the dangers and take steps to protect ourselves.”

Conclusion

Anna Delvey’s story is a tale of greed, ambition, and deception. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of social media and the ease with which people can be fooled by a well-crafted lie.