Overview of the Netflix Lawsuit Regarding The Manhattan Alien Abduction

Netflix’s latest offering, The Manhattan Alien Abduction, aligns with the platform’s strategy of leveraging true stories, a trend that has proven successful in recent months. Unlike its previous features centered around unsolved crimes and chilling murders, this docu-series focuses on the intriguing account of Linda Napolitano, who asserts she was taken by extraterrestrials.

However, following the series premiere on October 30, 2024, Netflix is now facing a defamation lawsuit filed by Napolitano herself. She contends that the docu-series misrepresents her as a storyteller of dubious credibility. Napolitano’s narrative was originally featured in Budd Hopkins’ 1997 publication, Witnessed: The True Story of the Brooklyn Bridge Abduction, which reportedly presents her experience in a starkly different manner than the current Netflix adaptation.

Recent reports indicate that Napolitano and the estate of Budd Hopkins initiated legal action against Netflix, Top Hat Productions, and several individuals involved in the making of the docu-series, in addition to the estate of Carol Rainey, who was Hopkins’ late ex-wife. The lawsuit charges that Netflix enabled Rainey to play a significant role in the series, infusing skepticism into the narrative and portraying Napolitano in a way that disparages her credibility.

Napolitano asserts that her consent to participate in the docu-series was based on the assurance that her abduction story would be accurately represented, a promise she believes has not been fulfilled.

Although The Manhattan Alien Abduction has already premiered, Linda Napolitano seeks to halt its distribution.

What prompts Linda Napolitano’s lawsuit against Netflix regarding The Manhattan Alien Abduction?

Napolitano claims that on the night of November 30, 1989, she was abducted by three tall, gray beings from her apartment located on the twelfth floor. A blue beam of light allegedly transported her from her home into an alien ship.

This scenario, which might resemble a scene from a low-budget sci-fi film, was reportedly witnessed by several individuals who claimed to have seen her levitate through the air that fateful night. The event sparked widespread curiosity and a mixture of belief and skepticism.

Later, artist-turned-UFO investigator Budd Hopkins explored her account and presented it to the public in his book, Witnessed: The True Story of the Brooklyn Bridge Abduction.

In contrast to that literary portrayal, Napolitano argues that the Netflix series introduces a narrative filled with doubt, framing her as dishonest in her recounting of events.

Within the legal complaint, Napolitano asserts that Netflix added a skeptical perspective that contravened their prior agreement while claiming that Rainey slandered her portrayal on screen. She further alleges that Rainey’s comments also unfairly tarnished the legacy of her former husband and his work.

Ultimately, Napolitano alleges that Netflix has intentionally crafted her image as “the antagonist for the sake of sensationalism and drama.”

As of now, Netflix has not issued a statement regarding the lawsuit or its claims.

Meanwhile, despite the ongoing controversy, The Manhattan Alien Abduction is available for streaming on Netflix. Anticipate upcoming updates on this developing story.

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