controversies
Crimeshow
Next
"The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" (Netflix, 2022)
Key Concerns
The first part series of “Monster”, Netflix's hit series dramatizing Jeffrey Dahmer’s crimes sparked backlash from the families of his victims. The families accused Netflix of exploiting their trauma for profit without their consent, reopening old wounds and re-traumatizing them.
Next
Image credit: Netflix
"The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst" (HBO, 2015)
Image credit: HBO
Click here for more info!
This six-part HBO series centers on real estate heir Robert Durst, who was suspected of multiple crimes, including his wife’s disappearance in 1982. During the filming of the series, Durst was unexpectedly arrested for the 2000 murder of his friend Susan Berman, after the filmmakers captured him making a seemingly incriminating remark on camera.
Image credit: Hulu
The Act (Hulu, 2019)
iThis series is based on the real-life case of Dee Dee Blanchard and her daughter, Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who was found guilty of plotting the murder of her mother after years of abuse. Dee Dee is believed to have a condition called “Munchausen syndrome by proxy”, which led her to falsely claim Gypsy was severely ill to gain attention and financial benefits.
Click here for more info!
Key Concern
Filmmaker’s Role in the Crime Investigation
The most controversial aspect was whether filmmakers acted as journalists or participants in the investigation. Some argued that by getting too involved in the story, they crossed ethical lines, potentially influencing the legal proceedings. Moreover, critics questioned whether it was ethical to continue filming a man under suspicion of murder, especially when they knew the case was ongoing, and were aware of how the content might impact his trial.
Key Concern
Documentary as Evidence
Durst’s shocking confession, “What the hell did I do? Killed them all, of course,” was recorded off-camera in an apparent moment of unintentional self-incrimination. The series raised concerns about the documentary becoming part of the evidence collection process, and whether it was ethical to use such footage.
Key Concern
Exploitation of Victim’s Trauma
Critics argued that the series, which focused on the tragic relationship between mother and daughter, exploited the Blanchard family’s suffering for entertainment value. The show was also accused of sensationalizing sensitive mental health issues for dramatic effect.
Key Concern
Privacy and Respect for Victims
Some believed that the dramatization of Gypsy’s story, which included personal details about her life and trauma, violated her privacy and disrespected her own suffering. Although Gypsy gave permission for the story to be told, the portrayal of her life and actions led to debates about how much control victims or their families should have over such retellings.
Key Concern
Exploitation for Profit
The show became a commercial success, but many felt it profited from the pain of the victims’ families, turning their grief into entertainment.In an interview with TIME Magazine, Errol Lindsey's sister, Rita Isbell, expressed her frustration over the retraumatizing nature of the series. “I feel like Netflix should’ve asked if we mind or how we felt about making it,” Isbell added, “But I’m not money hungry, and that’s what this show is about, Netflix trying to get paid.”
Key Concern
Privacy Violations
Families were angered by the use of real names and sensitive details about their loved ones’ deaths, which were included in the show without their approval. Shirley Hughes, the mother of victim Tommy Hughes criticized the show for not seeking permission to tell her son’s story, emphasizing the emotional toll on families when personal tragedies are turned into media spectacles.
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Transcript
controversies
Crimeshow
Next
"The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" (Netflix, 2022)
Key Concerns
The first part series of “Monster”, Netflix's hit series dramatizing Jeffrey Dahmer’s crimes sparked backlash from the families of his victims. The families accused Netflix of exploiting their trauma for profit without their consent, reopening old wounds and re-traumatizing them.
Next
Image credit: Netflix
"The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst" (HBO, 2015)
Image credit: HBO
Click here for more info!
This six-part HBO series centers on real estate heir Robert Durst, who was suspected of multiple crimes, including his wife’s disappearance in 1982. During the filming of the series, Durst was unexpectedly arrested for the 2000 murder of his friend Susan Berman, after the filmmakers captured him making a seemingly incriminating remark on camera.
Image credit: Hulu
The Act (Hulu, 2019)
iThis series is based on the real-life case of Dee Dee Blanchard and her daughter, Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who was found guilty of plotting the murder of her mother after years of abuse. Dee Dee is believed to have a condition called “Munchausen syndrome by proxy”, which led her to falsely claim Gypsy was severely ill to gain attention and financial benefits.
Click here for more info!
Key Concern
Filmmaker’s Role in the Crime Investigation
The most controversial aspect was whether filmmakers acted as journalists or participants in the investigation. Some argued that by getting too involved in the story, they crossed ethical lines, potentially influencing the legal proceedings. Moreover, critics questioned whether it was ethical to continue filming a man under suspicion of murder, especially when they knew the case was ongoing, and were aware of how the content might impact his trial.
Key Concern
Documentary as Evidence
Durst’s shocking confession, “What the hell did I do? Killed them all, of course,” was recorded off-camera in an apparent moment of unintentional self-incrimination. The series raised concerns about the documentary becoming part of the evidence collection process, and whether it was ethical to use such footage.
Key Concern
Exploitation of Victim’s Trauma
Critics argued that the series, which focused on the tragic relationship between mother and daughter, exploited the Blanchard family’s suffering for entertainment value. The show was also accused of sensationalizing sensitive mental health issues for dramatic effect.
Key Concern
Privacy and Respect for Victims
Some believed that the dramatization of Gypsy’s story, which included personal details about her life and trauma, violated her privacy and disrespected her own suffering. Although Gypsy gave permission for the story to be told, the portrayal of her life and actions led to debates about how much control victims or their families should have over such retellings.
Key Concern
Exploitation for Profit
The show became a commercial success, but many felt it profited from the pain of the victims’ families, turning their grief into entertainment.In an interview with TIME Magazine, Errol Lindsey's sister, Rita Isbell, expressed her frustration over the retraumatizing nature of the series. “I feel like Netflix should’ve asked if we mind or how we felt about making it,” Isbell added, “But I’m not money hungry, and that’s what this show is about, Netflix trying to get paid.”
Key Concern
Privacy Violations
Families were angered by the use of real names and sensitive details about their loved ones’ deaths, which were included in the show without their approval. Shirley Hughes, the mother of victim Tommy Hughes criticized the show for not seeking permission to tell her son’s story, emphasizing the emotional toll on families when personal tragedies are turned into media spectacles.