The filming of Blue Moon, an eight-part series about the 2007 murder of Leeds University student Meredith Kercher, has reignited debates surrounding the infamous kiss shared between Amanda Knox and her then-boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito.
This kiss, captured shortly after Kercher’s tragic death, became a symbol of the media frenzy that engulfed the case.
Now, as actors Grace Van Patten (playing Knox) and Giuseppe De Domenico (playing Sollecito) recreate the moment on set, emotions are running high, especially in the town of Perugia, where the murder took place.
Perugia’s Painful Memories
For the residents of Perugia, the ongoing attention to the Kercher case feels like a fresh wound that has yet to heal.
The murder, which took place in the apartment that Knox shared with Kercher, remains a traumatic chapter in the city’s history.
The media coverage, particularly the portrayal of Knox’s controversial kiss with Sollecito, was part of a broader narrative that led to Knox’s wrongful conviction, which was later overturned.
Despite her acquittal, the case still stirs deep emotions, and many locals feel it is disrespectful for the tragedy to be turned into a TV drama.
Protests erupted when film crews arrived in Perugia, with locals displaying banners reading “Rispetto per Meredith” (“Respect for Meredith”).
This clear message of disapproval reflects the city’s struggle to move on from the devastating crime.
In response, the production of Blue Moon was moved to Olevano Romano, a town south of Perugia, in an effort to avoid further controversy.
The Impact of Media Coverage
The portrayal of Knox in the media has always been a contentious issue.
At the time of the murder, Knox was sensationalized as a “seductress” and “sexual thrill-seeker,” particularly due to the kiss she shared with Sollecito.
This image played a significant role in her initial conviction, though she was eventually exonerated due to a lack of evidence.
For many, the ongoing media attention, including the Hulu series, feels like a rehashing of painful memories.
Meredith Kercher’s family, too, has expressed their dismay at the continued public interest in the case.
Francesco Maresca, the family’s lawyer, stated that the case had been discussed too much already and that it was time to close this chapter.
Meredith’s sister, Stephanie Kercher, echoed these sentiments, reminding the world that Meredith’s legacy is one of kindness and friendship, not sensationalized media portrayals.
Controversy Surrounding Blue Moon and Knox’s Role
The new series, Blue Moon, has already sparked backlash, with critics accusing Hulu of lacking sensitivity towards those affected by the tragedy.
Amanda Knox, who has spent years in the spotlight, is an executive producer of the show, which is being marketed as a retelling of her wrongful conviction and eventual release.
For some, this raises concerns about the financial and personal motives behind Knox’s involvement in the project, especially given her past legal troubles.
Knox has previously been paid millions for book deals and speaking engagements, and her role in the series is being scrutinized by some, including Maresca, who has questioned her desire to keep the story alive.
While Knox has apologized for her wrongful accusation of Patrick Lumumba, a local bar owner, she continues to face legal and public scrutiny, particularly over the 2011 slander conviction related to those false accusations.
The Complex Legacy of Amanda Knox
Now 37, Amanda Knox has largely reinvented herself as an advocate for criminal justice reform and against wrongful convictions.
However, her involvement in the entertainment industry, including the new Hulu series, has raised questions about her motivations.
The Kercher family’s lawyer has made it clear that they believe the case has been discussed enough and that Knox should allow the story to rest.
As Blue Moon continues to stir controversy, many wonder if the public will ever truly let go of the memories surrounding Meredith Kercher’s murder.
Whether or not the series will change the perception of Knox and her story remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the case still holds significant emotional weight for those directly involved.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn