Kwaneta Harris has spent nearly a decade in solitary confinement. But somehow she’s found her voice, telling her story on her own terms. In The Appeal, she’s revealed how so many incarcerated women like her have been misrepresented by “true crime” television.
She’s like many incarcerated women featured in true crime docudramas. But these shows frequently prioritize entertainment over fact and demonize victims.
These shows can be created with or without the incarcerated individual's permission. Harris herself was repeatedly pressured by a production company but rejected their offer. Three docuseries have now depicted her as an evil mastermind, not as a survivor of domestic violence who was convicted of killing her abusive boyfriend.
When these shows air, their offensive statements, and false portrayals often defame the character of the person who is incarcerated. They receive hate mail, and their families might also be attacked. “True crime” isn’t always true. It’s more often copaganda designed to push a culture of criminalization, judgment, and punishment.
True crime shows shouldn’t be taken at face value. These shows are often meant to fuel negative perceptions of incarcerated people. Don’t let these shows and their lies fool you.