Introduction to the concept of documentaries having negative effects on their subjects.

• The speaker highlights the downside of giving interviews for documentaries.
• They explain how interviews can be manipulated to make someone look bad.

The 'Jesus Camp' documentary led to the shutdown of the Kids on Fire School of Ministry.

• 'Jesus Camp' documented a summer camp that promoted an extreme religious relationship for children.
• The camp faced backlash, vandalism, and was eventually disbanded due to the negative attention.

'Tales of the Grim Sleeper' documentary tarnished the reputation of the serial killer before conviction.

• The documentary detailed the life and crimes of Lonnie David Franklin Jr.
• It exposed the killer's actions, affecting public perception before his trial.

'Tickled' uncovered a fetish video operation under the guise of a sport, affecting lives involved.

• David Farrier discovered competitive endurance tickling was a cover for fetish videos.
• The film led to the exposure of the operation's distributor, who later sued the filmmakers.

The 'Kony 2012' documentary led to increased efforts to capture Joseph Kony.

• The documentary aimed to make Joseph Kony, a Ugandan terrorist leader, a household name.
• It influenced the African Union to send troops in search of Kony, raising global awareness.

The documentary 'The Woman Who Wasn't There' revealed the falsehood of a 9/11 survivor's story.

• Tanya Head's false narrative as a 9/11 survivor was exposed, leading to personal and professional repercussions.
• The film showcased how her deception impacted the World Trade Center survivors' community.

'Surviving R. Kelly' brought to light the singer's alleged abuses, leading to his downfall.

• The documentary detailed allegations of abuse and had a significant impact on R. Kelly's career.
• It played a role in radio bans, record label contract termination, and criminal charges against Kelly.

'Living with Michael Jackson' documentary led to legal charges and a tarnished legacy.

• The documentary raised concerns about Michael Jackson's behavior, sparking legal scrutiny.
• It played a role in the criminal trial that continues to affect his legacy.

'Blackfish' documentary caused significant backlash against SeaWorld and its practices.

• The film criticized the treatment of orcas in captivity, particularly the orca Tilikum.
• It led to a decline in SeaWorld's attendance, stock price, and legislative changes.

'Tiger King' painted Carole Baskin in a negative light, leading to public harassment.

• The series suggested Baskin may have been involved in her ex-husband's disappearance.
• Baskin faced online harassment, though the show also brought attention to her activism.

The miniseries 'The Case of JonBenét Ramsey' implicated Burke Ramsey, leading to legal action.

• The show suggested that JonBenét Ramsey's older brother Burke was responsible for her death.
• Burke Ramsey filed a defamation suit, and his reputation was affected by the claims.

'The King of Kong' documentary led to the investigation and ostracization of Billy Mitchell.

• The film highlighted Mitchell's record-setting in Donkey Kong, which was later questioned.
• Investigations concluded some of his records were achieved using emulation software.

'Making a Murderer' questioned the convictions obtained by DA Ken Kratz, leading to his vilification.

• The series examined potential wrongful convictions of Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey.
• Kratz faced death threats and negative publicity, and he lost his law license.

'Going Clear' exposed Scientology's practices, causing retaliation against those involved.

• The documentary featured interviews with former Scientology members, revealing controversial practices.
• Participants faced surveillance and hacking attempts as alleged retaliation by the Church.

'The Show About the Show' documented its own creation, leading to creator Cavadi's personal turmoil.

• The meta-project documented each episode's making, affecting Cavadi's marriage and life.
• Cavadi acknowledges the project's impact but does not regret it and seeks to continue the work.

'Overnight' documented Troy Duffy's contentious behavior, contributing to his career downfall.

• The documentary showed Duffy's antagonism towards producers, leading to professional setbacks.
• Duffy claimed the film portrayed him out of context and resulted in a loss of public sympathy.

'The Staircase' brought the trial of Michael Peterson into the public eye, affecting his family's privacy.

• The series covered Peterson's trial for his wife's murder, leading to widespread attention.
• Despite legal developments, the documentary amplified public scrutiny and social media hostility.

'The Square' featured cinematographer Akmed Hassan, whose participation led to his exile from Egypt.

• Hassan's role as a cinematographer and activist in the documentary led to his exile for safety concerns.
• His involvement in the film about Egypt's political unrest had personal repercussions.

'The Jinx' captured Robert Durst's hot-mic moment, leading to his arrest and conviction for murder.

• Durst participated in the documentary, which ended with him making a seeming confession to murders.
• The series played a role in the re-examination of the cases and Durst's subsequent legal troubles.