When True Crime Is Harmful: Exploitation and Re-traumatization

In this episode of Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe, we dive into the ethics of true crime content—from the rise of Serial and Adnan Syed’s release, to today’s viral cases like the Diddy/Cassie trial, the Idaho 4, and the livestreamed murder of Mexican influencer Valeria Márquez. We explore why the families of victims like Hae Min Lee and Jeffrey Dahmer's victims are pushing back on their stories being used for entertainment—and ask: is true crime ever truly ethical? And when can mass attention help solve a case, like with Gabby Petito?

We also look at global differences: how countries like South Korea, France, Germany, and New Zealand protect victims' identities, and how the U.S. often doesn't. Plus, we spotlight survivor-led justice like Gisèle Pelicot’s viral case in France and why she chose to claim her identity publicly instead of going through the trial in private.

If you have something to add to the discussion, please keep it respectful as you always do. You can leave your thoughts via a review on Apple, Spotify or on the Substack comment section under this post.

🔒 Want more? The second half of this episode—where I predict the future of true crime media—is available exclusively on Substack: cocomocoe.substack.com

Thank you for listening to this touchy episode with an open mind!