Because of Instagram photo: Man is suing Netflix for reputational damage

Earlier this year, the true crime documentary The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker was released on Netflix. It tells the story of Caleb McGillvary, who was interviewed after he prevented a murder and became famous for it. But just a few months later, he himself was arrested for murder and sentenced to 57 years in prison.

As part of the documentary, Netflix shows collages of photos of various people – including McGillvary – and asks, “Is that a guardian angel or a cold-blooded killer?”. So Netflix suggests that any of the men shown could be a murderer.

Also seen is Taylor Hazlewood posing for an Instagram photo with an axe. The photo is a reference to his favorite childhood book: Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. Shortly after the documentary came out in January, the 27-year-old was contacted by a friend who had seen his picture in the documentary.

Hazlewood has now filed a lawsuit against Netflix, saying it has caused him “reputational damage, stress, anxiety and heartache”. Netflix would have used his photo without his permission. Hazlewood is seeking $1 million in damages.

Netflix has not commented on the lawsuit.

(cmu)