The team behind the hit Netflix series Making A Murderer have said they expected a backlash about the documentary in the media.
During the Television Critics Association press tour, Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos responded to the interest the 10-part series has created on both sides of the Atlantic.
The series focuses on the case of Steven Avery, who was prosecuted in 2005 for the death of photographer Teresa Halbach.
Making A Murderer (Netflix)
“The media are demonising this man in order to prove his guilt,” Laura said.
The pair insisted they are film-makers – not prosecutors, and Moira added: “We did not consider this advocacy journalism in the least.
“We are not taking sides. We don’t have a stake in his character, in his innocence or guilt. That was not the question that we were raising. If you watch the series, I think it’s clear that the American criminal justice system has some serious problems and that it is urgent that we address them.”
Steven Avery (Netflix)
The two women ducked questions on their belief about Avery’s guilt or innocence, even though they told Stephen Colbert on the CBS Late Show earlier this month that they believe he is not guilty.
They instead pointed to questions the documentary raises about the US criminal justice system, and said they tried their best to reflect all of the facts in the case.
Prosecutors – who the film-makers say declined their request to participate in Making A Murderer – have claimed the film omits physical evidence against Avery.
Directors Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos (standing) of Making A Murderer fame (Netflix)
Steven has recently filed an appeal against his conviction, claiming authorities used an improper warrant and that a juror was out to get him.
The film-makers said they believe his request to watch Making A Murderer while in prison had been declined.
Moira added: “We are ready to follow if there are significant developments and we are looking at other stories as well.”
