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Brian Laundrie’s Parents Issue Statement After Release Of Bombshell Doc About Gabby Petito
Brian Laundrie’s Parents Issue Statement After Release Of Bombshell Doc About Gabby Petito
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Brian Laundrie’s Parents Issue Statement After Release Of Bombshell Doc About Gabby Petito

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The parents of Brian Laundrie, Christopher and Roberta Laundrie, have released a statement through their lawyer, slamming the Netflix documentary American Murder: Gabby Petito, which debuted last Monday (February 17).

The production, labeled as “misleading” by the lawyer, Steven Bertolino, delves into the murder-suicide case of 22-year-old Gabby Petito, who was strangled by her boyfriend, Brian, in August 2021 during a cross-country road trip.

Highlights
  • Brian Laundrie's parents issued a statement criticizing Netflix documentary as 'misleading.'
  • Documentary titled 'American Murder: Gabby Petito' released on February 17.
  • Gabby Petito's mother forgave Brian for his actions, but not his parents.
  • The documentary highlights Laundries' silence and reluctance to cooperate during Gabby's disappearance.

Brian, who was 23 at the time, left her body abandoned at a Wyoming campsite before returning to his Florida home, confessing to the crime in a note, and ultimately taking his own life.

“They’ve had more than enough time to share ‘their truth,'” one user said.

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    The family of Brian Laundrie, the 23-year-old who strangled his girlfriend to death in 2021, has slammed the Netflix documentary’s account of the crime, calling it “inaccurate”

    Woman in Zion Outdoors shirt smiling in a canyon, related to Brian Laundrie and Gabby Petito news context.

    Image credits: gabspetito

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    “The documentary contained many inaccuracies, incorrect juxtapositions of timelines, and misstatements and omissions of fact,” Bertolino said, pleading for the families involved to be left to mourn in peace.

    Released earlier this week, the documentary provides new insight into the final days of the 22-year-old vlogger, including previously unseen texts, diary entries, and personal footage.

    A family posing outside a stately building; related to Brian Laundrie's parents' statement on Gabby Petito documentary.

    Image credits: Netflix

    The production also draws attention to the Laundrie family’s lack of communication with Petito’s parents during her disappearance. 

    In particular, it focuses on the unanswered messages from Petito’s parents, Joseph Petito and Nichole Schmidt, who desperately sought information about their daughter’s whereabouts.

    Bertolino spoke exclusively to The Sun, expressing the Laundries’ frustration with the documentary’s portrayal of events, describing it as “one perspective depicted as the ‘truth’ seen through a biased lens.”

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    Young couple sitting in a van interior, smiling at the camera, related to Brian Laundrie and Gabby Petito story.

    Image credits: Netflix

    While the attorney declined to specifically address which parts of the documentary he was referring to, he maintained that his clients had been consistent in their statements and actions.

    As the documentary shows, Brian’s parents have remained largely silent throughout the investigation, hiring Bertolino shortly after finding out what their son had done and handing communications over to him.

    Gabby’s parents said they have forgiven Brian, but they have been unable to extend the same forgiveness to his parents

    A man giving a woman a piggyback ride on a wooded path, smiling and joyful.

    Image credits: Netflix

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    The documentary also revisits the legal battles between the two families, including the lawsuit filed by Gabby Petito’s parents against the Laundries for intentional and reckless infliction of emotional distress.

    Both families opted to settle out of court, reluctantly agreeing to avoid further legal expenses and personal conflict.

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    Image credits: Netflix/Tudum

    Nichole Schmidt, Gabby’s mother, extended an olive branch to the Laundries during an appearance at Nashville’s CrimeCon in May 2024, stating that she had come to “forgive” Brian for what he did.

    “I needed to release myself from the chains of anger and bitterness, that I refuse to let your despicable act define the rest of my life,” she said.

    “I speak for myself here when I say, ‘Brian, I forgive you.’”

    Image credits: Netflix

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    Schmidt was unable to extend the same courtesy to Brian’s mother, Roberta, referring to her as “pure evil,” and stating that she does not “deserve forgiveness.”

    “I see no empathy in your eyes, no remorse in your heart and no willingness to take responsibility for your actions,” Schmidt added.

    “His parents deserve whatever comes their way.” Netizens took to social media to express their anger toward Brian’s parents

    Text comment discussing Brian Laundrie's parents and their response to recent developments about Gabby Petito.

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    Social media post about Brian Laundrie's parents' statement following documentary release on Gabby Petito.

    Elizabeth Shurba's comment expressing strong views on Brian Laundrie's parents regarding Gabby Petito case.

    Screenshot of a comment about Brian Laundrie's parents addressing Gabby Petito documentary.

    Comment on Brian Laundrie's parents' statement about Gabby Petito documentary release.

    Text comment questioning the actions of Brian Laundrie's parents related to Gabby Petito investigation.

    Comment discussing Brian Laundrie's parents' stance on Gabby Petito documentary, mentioning their rights regarding inaccuracies.

    Text message criticizing Brian Laundrie's parents in relation to a documentary about Gabby Petito.

    Comment on Brian Laundrie's parents' response after Gabby Petito documentary release.

    Public comment addresses Brian Laundrie's parents' statement on Gabby Petito documentary.

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    Abel Musa Miño

    Abel Musa Miño

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

    Read more »

    Born in Santiago, Chile, with a background in communication and international relations, I bring a global perspective to entertainment reporting at Bored Panda. I cover celebrity news, Hollywood events, true crime, and viral stories that resonate across cultures. My reporting has been featured on Google News, connecting international audiences to the latest in entertainment. For me, journalism is about bridging local stories with global conversations, arming readers with the knowledge necessary to make up their own minds. Research is at the core of my work. I believe that well-sourced, factual storytelling is essential to building trust and driving meaningful engagement.

    Read less »
    Abel Musa Miño

    Abel Musa Miño

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

    Born in Santiago, Chile, with a background in communication and international relations, I bring a global perspective to entertainment reporting at Bored Panda. I cover celebrity news, Hollywood events, true crime, and viral stories that resonate across cultures. My reporting has been featured on Google News, connecting international audiences to the latest in entertainment. For me, journalism is about bridging local stories with global conversations, arming readers with the knowledge necessary to make up their own minds. Research is at the core of my work. I believe that well-sourced, factual storytelling is essential to building trust and driving meaningful engagement.

    What do you think ?
    superfluous
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really don't understand how they and their lawyer weren't charged as accessories to the murder after the fact. At least tampering with evidence. I have absolutely no pity for them whatsoever.

    Janelle Collard
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His parents could've helped the investigation + they refused. They deserve whatever happens next. They KNEW their SON killed Gabby.

    Load More Comments
    superfluous
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really don't understand how they and their lawyer weren't charged as accessories to the murder after the fact. At least tampering with evidence. I have absolutely no pity for them whatsoever.

    Janelle Collard
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His parents could've helped the investigation + they refused. They deserve whatever happens next. They KNEW their SON killed Gabby.

    Load More Comments
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