The upcoming true crime documentary film on Netflix, titled Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare, will delve into the story of Kirat Assi, shedding light on her experience as a victim of catfishing. This documentary is directed by Lyttanya Shannon and will include exclusive insights from Kirat Assi herself.
With a duration of 1 hour and 22 minutes, Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare is set to premiere on Netflix on October 16, 2024. The film’s synopsis states:
“What begins as an online friendship quickly evolves into a deep connection, prompting Kirat to investigate the truth about her enigmatic fiancé, Bobby. Based on the popular podcast, Sweet Bobby tells the harrowing tale of a romance that spiraled into a nightmare.”
Kirat Assi, a marketer and radio presenter, currently enjoys a peaceful life in West London.
What transpired with Kirat Assi?
Kirat Assi was deceived through online catfishing.
(Note: Catfishing refers to the act of creating fake online identities to deceive, manipulate, or influence others, often for romantic purposes. Catfishers commonly use fictional profiles to commit fraud or establish romantic connections.)
Back in 2009, Kirat received a friend request from a supposed cardiologist named Bobby Jandu. Their relationship, which initially started as simple friendship, turned romantic in 2015. They communicated daily, sharing voice calls and messages.
However, Kirat grew increasingly suspicious when Bobby consistently found excuses to avoid video calls. Reports from Sky News revealed that Bobby claimed to have endured multiple gunshot wounds, a heart attack, a stroke, and a tumor during their online relationship.
Despite her doubts, several online accounts appeared, posing as Bobby’s relatives to validate his accounts and reinforce Kirat’s belief in his narrative.
Kirat claimed that towards the end of their relationship, Bobby’s behavior became increasingly toxic, demanding that she cut ties with her friends and family, and suggesting she quit her job. In response, Kirat enlisted the help of a private investigator, who ultimately discovered that the supposed cardiologist was using a false identity, revealing Kirat’s long-term experience of catfishing.
In the trailer for Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare, Kirat reflects on the years lost due to this deception, stating:
“What happened to me is just one crazy story. You really can’t make it up. This was ten years of my life.”
When Kirat took legal action in 2018, there was initially no investigation. However, in 2020, the UK civil court instructed the perpetrator to issue a private apology and required them to cover Kirat’s legal costs and other expenses.
Who impersonated Bobby?
The identity of Bobby was masqueraded by Kirat’s younger cousin, Simran Bhogal, who admitted to the deception in 2018, prompting Kirat to take legal action in 2020. The matter proceeded to court where it was resolved, with Bhogal agreeing to compensate Kirat for her legal fees and additional damages.
By sharing her experience on Netflix, Kirat hopes to raise awareness and help prevent others from becoming victims of catfishing. She stated:
“There’s rampant online abuse and bullying. The stigma of victim-shaming discourages individuals from coming forward… many people suffer in silence.”
For further insights into Kirat’s harrowing experience, don’t miss Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare, launching on Netflix on October 16, 2024.
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