The trend of killers and con artists becoming celebrities in recent years has captured the interest of the public, with many individuals following their lives and stories through reality shows, social media, and mainstream movies. True crime content has become a popular form of entertainment, with 57 percent of American adults consuming it, and the entertainment industry drawing inspiration from infamous cases such as the Zodiac Killer and Ted Bundy. These modern criminals, like Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Anna Delvey, are not simple black-and-white figures, leading to a fascination with their stories and personalities.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for her involvement in her mother’s killing, was depicted in the Hollywood treatment in the series The Act and later filmed a Lifetime docuseries and appeared on The Kardashians after her release from prison. Anna Delvey, known as the “fake heiress,” gained notoriety for her criminal activities and was portrayed as a criminal mastermind in Netflix’s Inventing Anna. Despite their criminal actions, these individuals have garnered significant public attention and even opportunities, such as Delvey competing on Dancing With the Stars with special permission from ICE.
Criminologist James Pipe suggests that society’s interest in darker aspects of human behavior drives the popularity of criminals becoming celebrities, with people drawn to stories that explore moral ambiguity and challenge traditional ideas of right and wrong. The Menendez brothers, who became antiheroes after killing their parents in 1989, are another example of this phenomenon, with their story portrayed in the series Monsters. The portrayal of criminals in popular media can generate public interest in their cases and even influence legal outcomes, as in the case of the Menendez brothers.
The trend of true crime stories being adapted into scripted series and films shows no signs of slowing down, with projects based on infamous cases like JonBenét Ramsey and Amanda Knox in the works. The genre’s appeal lies in its classic dramatic structure, offering a hunt for justice, protagonist and antagonist dynamics, and often a resolution at the end. While these projects entertain audiences, they can also serve a larger purpose by educating viewers about the real-life events and cautionary tales behind them, as noted by National Center for Victims of Crime CEO Renée E. Williams.
While true crime content may be America’s guilty pleasure, it is essential to remember the real-life stories and tragedies that inspired these adaptations. The sensational nature of these stories often leads to disbelief that they are true, but they serve as important reminders of the impact of crime on individuals and communities. As Hollywood continues to mine true crime for entertainment, it is crucial to approach these stories with sensitivity and respect for the victims and their families. The popularity of true crime stories in popular media reflects society’s fascination with the darker side of human behavior and the quest for justice and resolution in the face of tragedy.
