Netflix viewers switch off 'disgusting' new documentary after sickening plot details become too much to bear
Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault which some readers may find distressing.
At Tyla, we pride ourselves in being able to give readers an up-to-date run-down on the latest, much-watch television shows and streaming service series' that seemingly everybody is talking about.
This week, however, there's a documentary that Netflix subscribers are warning future viewers NOT to sink their teeth into, with many claiming the subject matter left them feeling sick to their stomachs.
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In recent times, true crime fanatics have had their pick of the mix when it comes to spine-tingling real life stories.
Just last week, telly-waters were urged to watch 'gut wrenching' yet mind-blowing new docu-series Six Schizophrenic Brothers, which highlights the advances made in mental health over the last century.
And Netflix viewers recently went wild after BBC thriller The Serpent landed on the streaming service, telling the true tale of serial killer Charles Sobhraj.
However, a number of viewers have now hit out against a documentary centring on the controversial 'love story' of Derrick Johnson and Anna Stubblefield.
Before we get into the reason why the harrowing programme is being 'switched off' by Netflix subscribers in the US - where the show initially landed - let's go back to the beginning of this true tale.
Back in 2009, white and married university professor Anna came to meet Derrick, the black, non-verbal, and disabled younger brother of one of her students, John Johnson.
The 39-year-old ethics lecturer had been approached by John about his brother's disability - cerebral palsy - later bringing Anna and Derrick, 28, face to face for the first time, with the former assisting the latter with his communication.
After teaching him how to use a keyboard with LED screen to type, Derrick soon began taking university classes.
It was during this time that Anna subsequently claimed that - though she was wed to someone else - the two fell in love and began an allegedly consensual, sexual relationship.
Little did she know at the time, however, that in the years to come, she'd been convicted of the sexual assault of the man she claimed to have loved, after his mother learned of the intimate nature of their relationship.
Daisy Johnson later argued in court that her son lacked the capacity to engage in both physical and emotional intimacy, claiming his ability to communicate in the way that Anna claimed he had wouldn't have been possible without her manipulating his hands.
The heartbroken mother claimed that her son been declared by the state to have the mental capacity of a toddler, accusing Anna of taking advantage of this.
As a result, in 2015 Anna was found guilty of two counts of first degree aggravated sexual assault and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Two years later, her appeal was granted and conviction revoked on grounds of a technicality.
Now, the doc, titled Tell Them You Love Me, explores why it was that testimony related to Anna's 'assistance' in his computer-led communication was dismissed, while attempting to determine why she accepted a plea deal for a lesser charge.
Though the docuseries - which previously aired in the UK on Sky - was produced by Louis Theroux and features interviews with those involved in the case, including Daisy, John and Derrick Johnson, as well as Anna Stubblefield herself - the streaming service addition has been slammed by viewers.
"I came to this story originally via a New York Times article, maybe 10 years ago, and I was riveted by it," Theroux previously told press.
"It sat on the fault lines of so many big social questions - around race, sexuality, and, yes, disability.”
Taking to social media, countless Netflix viewers have implored subscribers considering watching the show - which landed the US site last week - to think again.
"It's disgusting," one penned this week. "She was sentenced to 12 years and only served two, it's mind blowing!!! She's sick!!!"
"Just watched on Netflix and my jaw was dropped the whole time," another admitted.
A third went on: "It was such a shocking documentary and honestly I'm still not 100% sure what I believe; the truth is somewhere in between."
Someone else commented: "Too disturbing for me to continue watch it."
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.
Topics: Netflix, Crime, True Crime, TV And Film
Rhianna Benson