Cousin of Jeffrey Dahmer victim lashes out at Netflix for “re-traumatising” series
(Credit: Netflix)

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Cousin of Jeffrey Dahmer victim lashes out at Netflix for “re-traumatising” series

The cousin of one of convicted murderer Jeffrey Dahmer’s victims has lashed out against Netflix’s new thriller, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, for “re-traumatising” their family.

The new Netflix series, based on Dahmer’s real crimes, stars Mare of Easttown actor Evan Peters as the famed serial killer also known as the “Milwaukee Cannibal” or the “Milwaukee Monster”. Dahmer committed the murders and dismemberments of 17 adult and infant males between 1978 and 1991.

Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story arrived on Netflix on September 22nd and has already caused a stir with distressed audiences and victims’ relatives. Some have claimed that the scenes depicted glorify and romanticise the murders. Meanwhile, a family member of one of Dahmer’s victims has blamed the show for “re-traumatising” them.

A viral scene from the show, which is already making the rounds on social media, depicts Rita Isbell (portrayed by DaShawn Barnes), the older sister of 19-year-old victim Errol Lindsey, yelling in agony during her trial statement.

Lindsey was strangled to death by Dahmer after a failed experiment to keep him in a permanent zombie-like state by drilling holes into his head and pouring hydrochloric acid into the wounds. 

“I’m not telling anyone what to watch, I know true crime media is huge right now, but if you’re actually curious about the victims, my family (the Isbells) are pissed about this show,” one account, named Ericthulu, tweeted on September 22nd, alongside the viral clip.

“It’s re-traumatising over and over again, and for what? How many movies/shows/documentaries do we need?”

He continued: “Like recreating my cousin having an emotional breakdown in court in the face of the man who tortured and murdered her brother is WILD.”

In a separate post on his Instagram story, Eric wrote: “No I will not be watching [Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story]. No my family is not happy. RIP to my cousin Errol Lindsey and all the other victims.”

“It’s very strange getting attention for someone else’s misery. Especially on a global scale. I’m not naive to the fact that murder and true crime are sensational,” actor Shaun Brown, who plays Tracy Edwards, opined in a Twitter post on Monday.

Edwards was Dahmer’s only surviving victim who fortunately managed to escape. He also played an integral role in the ensuing court sessions, which eventually convicted Dahmer for his murders.

“However, I ask that in watching this show you remember that these men were sons, best friends, cousins, uncles, and had dreams, hopes, and goals that were never realised. I have so much love for Tracy Edwards and I hope that through my portrayal you will also,” Brown concluded. “I hope you have love for all the victims and maybe in time you will have more love for one another.”

Watch the official trailer for Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story below.