No Filter Once Called "Australia's Worst Female Serial Killer." Kathleen Folbigg Sets The Record Straight
Nov 7, 2025
Kathleen Folbigg, once labeled as Australia’s worst female serial killer, spent 20 years wrongly imprisoned before new genetic evidence exonerated her in 2023. In this compelling discussion, she shares the trauma of her conviction and the bittersweet joy of liberation. Kathleen highlights the emotional turmoil of seeing her private diaries misused in court and reflects on the grief of being a childless mother. She advocates for legal reform to prevent wrongful imprisonments, while finding strength and purpose in sharing her story and rebuilding her life.
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Friend Became Relentless Advocate
- Tracy Chapman gradually became Kathleen Folbigg's key advocate, visiting and building legal and public scaffolding for her case.
- Kathleen credits Tracy with pivotal emotional and practical support that enabled the long campaign for justice.
Modern Life Feels Constantly Pressured
- Kathleen noticed modern life runs at a higher, stressful speed compared with twenty years ago, increasing pressure on daily life.
- She finds reduced face-to-face communication and constant connectivity disconcerting after prison.
Sudden, Blurry Release Day
- Kathleen describes her release as sudden and surreal, being told at work she'd been pardoned and must leave immediately.
- She left in borrowed clothes, holding shoes, and later realised how rushed and shocking the moment was.