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Equestrian's Family Slams Netflix, CBS Coverage
24 May
Summary
- Family alleges true crime documentaries unfairly favor attacker.
- Documentaries' narrative focuses on equestrian trainer's side.
- Family sought screener from Netflix but was denied.
The family of Lauren Kanarek, a dressage rider shot by her Olympic trainer Michael Barisone in 2019, is vehemently opposing the narrative presented in recent true crime documentaries. They assert that both Netflix's "Untold: The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill" and a "48 Hours" episode from CBS News disproportionately favor Barisone's viewpoint.
According to Lauren's father, Jonathan Kanarek, the documentaries have led to hateful messages and ostracism within the equestrian community. The family's attorney, Steven Beer, expressed shock that Netflix denied their request for a screener, which they sought to manage Lauren's anxiety.
Barisone was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the 2019 shooting and was released from a psychiatric facility in 2023. The family believes the filmmakers prioritized profit and popularity over responsible storytelling, potentially misrepresenting Lauren's role in the events leading up to the shooting.
Additional documents were not included in the Netflix documentary, and while Kanarek was paid an unspecified amount for her participation, Barisone received no payment for his portrayal. The family hopes Lauren's experience will inspire change and support for women facing intimidation.
