After enduring years of imprisonment and manipulating her way into a life of luxury, Anna Sorokin, also known as Anna Delvey, is once again making headlines in New York. However, this time the conversation isn't about her past as a fraudulent German heiress or her four-year prison sentence. Instead, the spotlight is on the disturbing aftermath of a photoshoot involving three rabbits that were found abandoned in a nearby park.
Anna Sorokin, who gained notoriety as the subject of Netflix's Inventing Anna, became infamous for her audacious schemes that defrauded wealthy individuals in Manhattan. In a recent Instagram post, she shared a photograph taken outside a Tribeca subway station, showcasing herself with a black ankle monitor—an accessory mandated by the terms of her release in 2022. Accompanying her in the photo were two leashed rabbits, which quickly drew the attention of social media users.
Days after the photos were posted, the abandoned rabbits were discovered in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. The first rabbit, a one-and-a-half-year-old Harlequin lop, was found by a local resident, Terry Chao, near a cardboard box that had been used during Sorokin's photoshoot. Subsequent sightings revealed more rabbits near the same area, raising alarms about their well-being and care.
In light of the troubling situation, Sorokin expressed her feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding the incident. She firmly stated that she was not responsible for the rabbits and was "horrified" upon learning that they had been abandoned. This incident has ignited a wave of accusations against Sorokin, with many on social media labeling her actions as animal cruelty. Critics have condemned her decision to use the animals as props, cautioning against the practice of “trancing,” a method where rabbits are placed on their backs, which can be harmful to their health.
The photographer who captured Sorokin's images, Jasper Egan Soloff, has distanced himself from the controversy. Through legal representation, he claimed he had no control over the shoot and was unaware of how the rabbits were treated. Meanwhile, another individual involved in the photoshoot has allegedly taken responsibility, issuing an apology in a now-deleted Instagram post. This person admitted to panicking upon realizing the rabbits would be surrendered to him and made a regrettable decision to release them in the area, mistakenly believing it was the best option for their care.
In the wake of the incident, Sorokin offered her assistance in rehoming the abandoned rabbits once she learned about their plight. Despite her past convictions and the ongoing public scrutiny, she expressed a willingness to help ensure the animals are taken care of appropriately.
The controversy surrounding Anna Sorokin's photoshoot and the subsequent abandonment of the rabbits has reignited discussions about animal welfare and the responsibilities that come with using animals in artistic expressions. As the story unfolds, many are left questioning the ethics of such practices and the true impact of celebrity actions on vulnerable creatures.
