Netflix’s latest true crime documentary, executively produced by Louis Theroux, has viewers buzzing with unease.
Titled “Tell Them You Love Me,” this film, directed by Nick August-Perna of “The Swell Season” fame, delves into one of the most unsettling cases ever brought to screen.
The documentary revisits the controversial case of Anna Stubblefield, a former philosophy professor, whose relationship with a non-verbal man led to a criminal conviction.
In 2009, Anna Stubblefield, then 41, crossed paths with Derrick Johnson, a 30-year-old man with cerebral palsy, through his brother, John Johnson.
John, a student in one of Stubblefield’s courses at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey, sought his professor’s advice on Derrick’s condition.
According to a 2015 article in The Times, both of Stubblefield’s parents were Ph.D.s in special education and had dedicated their careers to working with disabled individuals.
Following in their footsteps, Stubblefield offered to help Derrick with his communication skills, leading him to attend a class at the university.
Stubblefield, who was married at the time, later claimed that what ensued was a consensual sexual relationship with Derrick.
However, Derrick’s mother, Daisy Johnson, insisted her son was incapable of engaging in physical or emotional intimacy.
This complex and distressing narrative is at the heart of “Tell Them You Love Me,” which chronicles the relationship and the ensuing legal battles.
If you’re intrigued, you can catch the trailer for “Tell Them You Love Me” below:
Described by Netflix as ‘scandalous’, the documentary explores the controversial relationship through the lenses of race, disability, and power.
After initially pleading not guilty, Stubblefield was convicted of aggravated sexual assault in 2016 and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
In 2017, her conviction was overturned on appeal, leading to a retrial.
By 2018, Stubblefield pleaded guilty to ‘third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact’ but maintained in the documentary that she was ‘not guilty of a crime’.
As this true crime piece hits Netflix, viewers have taken to social media to express their thoughts.
One user on X (formerly known as Twitter) stated, “Tell Them You Love Me might be one of the most unsettling documentaries I’ve ever watched on Netflix,” calling it ‘insane’.
Another commented, “Just watched Tell Them You Love Me, and I really want to have a conversation about it. I’m so conflicted because I can see both ends of the spectrum.”
Yet another viewer mentioned how the documentary made them feel ‘very uncomfortable’.
“Tell Them You Love Me has to be one of the most disturbing documentaries on Netflix.” declared someone else.
Before diving deeper into the case, let’s rewind and understand the backstory that led to this controversial trial.
Anna Stubblefield, born into a family deeply entrenched in special education, seemed destined to follow a similar path.
Her parents’ dedication to working with disabled individuals profoundly influenced her career choice.
By the time she joined Rutgers University, Stubblefield was an accomplished academic, well-respected in her field.
Derrick Johnson, born with cerebral palsy, lived a life of profound challenges.
Non-verbal and heavily dependent on his family, Derrick’s world was limited in ways most people can hardly fathom.
Enter Anna Stubblefield, who saw potential where others saw limitations.
Her methods, inspired by facilitated communication, aimed to unlock Derrick’s ability to express himself.
Facilitated communication is a controversial technique, often criticized for its lack of scientific validation and potential for misuse.
Stubblefield believed in its potential, and soon, Derrick began to show signs of improvement in his communication.
However, this progress led to an intimate relationship that would later become the focus of a highly publicized court case.
Stubblefield claimed the relationship was consensual, a perspective that brought her professional and personal life under intense scrutiny.
On the other hand, Derrick’s family and the prosecution argued that his disabilities rendered him incapable of giving consent.
The trial that followed was a legal and ethical quagmire, exploring the nuances of consent, disability rights, and professional boundaries.
Public opinion was sharply divided, with some viewing Stubblefield as a misunderstood advocate, while others saw her as a predator exploiting a vulnerable man.
The court’s initial conviction and subsequent overturning on appeal only added to the controversy.
Her plea deal in 2018, despite maintaining her innocence, did little to settle the debate.
“Tell Them You Love Me” dives deep into this murky narrative, leaving viewers to grapple with their own interpretations.
The documentary’s reception on social media underscores the complexity and emotional weight of the story.
As one viewer pointed out, it’s a story that demands conversation, reflection, and a deep dive into the ethics of caregiving and consent.
Anna Stubblefield’s case remains one of the most provocative legal battles in recent memory, questioning societal norms and legal definitions.
Netflix’s latest true crime sensation doesn’t shy away from these difficult questions, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the darker corners of human relationships.
As “Tell Them You Love Me” continues to captivate audiences, the legacy of Anna Stubblefield and Derrick Johnson’s story remains as controversial as ever.
Whether you see her as a misguided academic or a calculating criminal, Stubblefield’s story is a chilling reminder of the complexities of human interactions and the fine line between care and exploitation.
Dive into this scandalous documentary and decide for yourself where the truth lies.