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Netflix Series Dahmer Faces Criticism

The real crime genre often shows victims and perpetrators in ways that only make matters worse, and Netflix’s new show about serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer is no exception. The Jeffrey Dahmer Story has generated controversy due to its apparent glamorization of a serial killer. And perceived lack of consideration for the families of Dahmer’s victims. The dramatization and fictionalization of true crimes, like Dahmer, have come under fire for re-traumatizing victims and their loved ones and glorifying criminals. In contrast to more journalistic true crime entertainment which has its own problems.

Is This Sensationalist Schlock Or Artistic License?

There will always some artistic license used when adapting a complex real crime narrative into a film or television series. Regardless of whether it claims to be an authentic retelling or is merely inspired by true events. While the differences between reality and the screen are frequently just slight. For example, having one fictionalized detective represent several police officers—others can materially mislead events. The series received strong criticism. Key story points like the fact that Niecy Nash’s Glenda Cleveland, a crucial witness, lived next door to Dahmer rather than in the actual building next door, where she actually lived, were attacked by critics. Other dramatizations of actual crimes have gone even further, embellishing the facts with sensationalistic and even outright supernatural components.

The Series Retraumatized Victims And Their Families:

Crime victims and their loved ones usually enraged and retraumatized when their true-life experiences used as entertainment for the general public. Given that legal protections of reputation, such as claims in defamation, don’t apply if the person defamed is deceased. The relatives of homicide victims are especially disadvantaged when they come across false or disrespectful images of their loved ones. The Netflix documentary has angered several of the relatives of Dahmer’s victims, who claim that they never contacted before the show’s broadcast.

Few Remarks Of Victim’s Families:

Rital Isbell, whose brother was killed by Dahmer, had her heartbreaking victim impact statement dramatized in the series without her knowledge or approval. She wrote in an article that the series was “harsh and thoughtless,” adding that it was “terrible. They’re just making money off of this tragedy.” The mother of Tony Hughes, an aspiring model who was one of more than a dozen men killed by serial murderer Jeffrey Dahmer. He has criticized the recently released Netflix series about the man who killed her son. Saying she doesn’t understand how the show could have been produced. The relatives of the 17 victims have also denied the opportunity to fight for the memories of their loved ones. Just as the 17 victims denied the chance to stand up for what they valued.

However, The creator of the contentious Netflix documentary about the serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer claims that before the show’s release. His crew attempted to contact the friends and families of roughly 20 of the victims but received no callbacks.