URGENT UPDATE: A shocking new docu-series, “Stalking Samantha: 13 Years of Terror,” premieres on August 19 on Hulu, revealing a true crime story that echoes the chilling events of the popular TV show “You.” Samantha Stites bravely shares her harrowing experience of enduring over a decade of stalking, culminating in a terrifying kidnapping.
In an exclusive interview with On The Red Carpet, Stites recounts her first encounter with her stalker, describing him as an “awkward” student she met in passing. However, his obsessive behavior escalated quickly. “He was following me to my work, following me to my gym, grocery shopping,” she details. Stites attempted to break free from his grip, telling him to leave her alone, but his presence became increasingly suffocating.
After filing for a personal protection order that lasted six years, Stites faced an uphill battle when it expired. She found it difficult to renew due to court requirements, which demanded a hearing with her stalker present. “I decided to not pursue that hearing because I was scared,” she explained. “I never got that chance because I was kidnapped.”
In the early hours of the morning, Stites was brutally awakened by her kidnapper and taken to a makeshift bunker. “I’m in this torture chamber. I see these soundproof patches on the wall, so no one’s going to hear me scream,” she recalls. The chilling twist? Her captor was reportedly inspired by the character from “You,” who engages in a twisted relationship with his victims. “He saw this stalker have this actual relationship with the women,” Stites noted, suggesting that the show dangerously validated his actions.
Stites reflects on her escape, emphasizing her vulnerability in the situation. “I’m not a Superwoman. I don’t have CIA training,” she admitted, revealing the psychological toll of her experience.
The docu-series promises to explore every detail of Stites’ ordeal, from her abduction to the eventual arrest of her stalker. “Stalking Samantha: 13 Years of Terror” will be available on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ starting August 19.
This urgent story not only highlights the impact of stalking but also raises awareness of the real dangers that can arise from obsession, as influenced by media portrayals. As the release date approaches, viewers are urged to watch and learn from Samantha’s harrowing journey.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the critical conversations surrounding stalking and its consequences.
