Netflix’s “Dahmer” Is Getting Criticized By People, Including The Family Of One Of His Victims, And Here’s Why
Fiyin Olowokandi
3 min read
The family of one of Jeffrey Dahmer's victims is calling out the new Ryan Murphy–produced Netflix series for "making money off of this tragedy."
Netflix’s “Dahmer” Is Getting Criticized By People, Including The Family Of One Of His Victims, And Here’s Why
This post contains mentions of violence and abuse.
If you’ve been on Netflix recently, then chances are you’ve seen Dahmer — Monster: the Jeffrey Dahmer Story, which is currently #1 in the US as of today.
Marny Malin / Sygma via Getty ImagesHollywood has often had an unhealthy fascination with Jeffrey Dahmer’s murders, with several movies about the serial killer being produced. Jeremy Renner and Ross Lynch are two notable actors who have played Dahmer in films that were released in 2002 and 2017.
Peninsula Films / FilmRise / Everett Collection / Via youtu.beAnd now, Netflix has added Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story to the list of Dahmer-centered films and shows that, honestly, never should’ve been made.
NetflixWhile the show is #1 on Netflix, having already broken the record for the biggest series debut on the streamer in the first week of its release with 196.2 million hours viewed, many people are calling out the series as “romanticizing” Jeffrey Dahmer’s murders once again.
NetflixSome people also called out Netflix’s “pretty gross” use of the LGBTQ tag for the show on their site, which has since been removed.
Evan Peters said it was “important” to him and the Dahmer creators to “be respectful to the victims, the victims’ families, and try to tell the story as authentically as [they] could.” Evan also said he was “very scared” about playing the role and “committing” to portraying him in the series.
NetflixAnd Shaun J. Brown, who portrays Tracy Edwards, tweeted a note about how it’s odd to receive praise for playing the role of one of Dahmer’s victims, and he hopes anyone who watches the show thinks of them.
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Netflix / Eugene Garcia / AFP / Getty Images
Rita Isbell, who is the sister of Errol Lindsey, one of Jeffrey Dahmer’s victims, penned an essay for Insider in which she detailed what it’s like having to relive this tragedy.
Steve Kagan / Getty ImagesRita can be seen in Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story giving an emotional victim impact statement at Dahmer’s 1992 sentencing in court. The moment is created “verbatim” in the show, according to Isbell.
Netflix / Breaking News Today / Via youtu.be“When I saw some of the show, it bothered me, especially when I saw myself — when I saw my name come across the screen and this lady saying verbatim exactly what I said. If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve thought it was me. Her hair was like mine, she had on the same clothes. That’s why it felt like reliving it all over again. It brought back all the emotions I was feeling back then.”
NetflixShe then went on to say that Netflix never contacted her prior to the show’s release, saying, “I feel like Netflix should’ve asked if we mind or how we felt about making it. They didn’t ask me anything. They just did it. But I’m not money hungry, and that’s what this show is about, Netflix trying to get paid.”
Netflix“I could even understand it if they gave some of the money to the victims’ children. Not necessarily their families. I mean, I’m old. I’m very, very comfortable. But the victims have children and grandchildren. If the show benefited them in some way, it wouldn’t feel so harsh and careless.”
NetflixEric Perry, who is Errol Lindsey’s cousin, took to Twitter to echo Rita’s opinions, calling the show “retraumatizing.”
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Netflix
Rita Isbell finished her essay to Insider saying that it has taken her years to get over the “anger” she felt surrounding her brother’s death and how Errol is “always going to be alive in [her] spirit.” In fact, she revealed that Errol had a daughter, who is now 31 years old, and Rita says, “I have to keep him alive so I can talk about him to her.”
NetflixYou can read Rita’s entire essay with Insider here.
What are your thoughts on Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story? Tell us in the comments below.
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