Making a Murderer detective sues Netflix for defamation
A former police detective is suing Netflix over his portrayal in the documentary series Making a Murderer, alleging the documentary defamed him.
Detective Andrew Colborn helped convict Steven Avery in the 2005 killing of photographer Teresa Halbach, which was the subject of the TV series a decade later.
Mr Colborn alleges footage was edited to make viewers think he and others planted evidence to frame Avery.
He is also suing the filmmakers Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos for defamation.
NEW: "Making a Murderer sheriff’s officer Andrew Colborn sues Netflix, claims docuseries made it seem like he planted evidence https://t.co/2d5T3HGj8Ppic.twitter.com/uTiFodFSUH
— Law & Crime (@lawcrimenews) December 17, 2018
According to the complaint, filed in Manitowoc County Court in Wisconsin, Mr Colborn claims the series "falsely led viewers to the inescapable conclusion that (Colborn) and others planted evidence to frame Avery for Halbach's murder".
It said: "The defendants omitted, distorted, and falsified material and significant facts in an effort to portray Colborn as a corrupt police officer who planted evidence to frame an innocent man"
Mr Colborn claimed the filmmakers did so "to make the film more profitable and more successful in the eyes of their peers".
The former detective said his examination by a prosecutor in court was left out of the film.
He also claimed parts of his cross-examination were edited or left out.
Michael Griesbach, a lawyer for Mr Colborn, said the former officer had been exposed to contempt around the world, and had received death threats.
There was no immediate comment from Netflix.
