The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker killer’s issue with Netflix Explained.

Netflix has released what could well be the streaming giant’s next big true-crime hit. The service has unveiled a feature-length exploration of a man who became a viral sensation in 2013, and the deadly events that followed.

Titled “The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker,” the film follows Kai Lawrence, a homeless person who prevented a man from trying to kill a woman. He smashed him round the head with a hatchet.

However, The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhike Killer has lashed out at Netflix Exploitation. Let’s get into the details.

Explaining The Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker killer’s issues with Netflix

The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker killer, “Kai,” aka Caleb McGillivary, accuses Netflix of exploiting him following the documentary’s release.

Kai Lawrence speaks out against alleged Netflix documentary exploitation. The true-crime documentary started streaming on Netflix on January 11 and told the story of Kai Lawrence, legally known as Caleb McGillivary. 

He was a homeless hitchhiker who became a viral internet sensation after being interviewed for a news segment in 2013. There was a surge in his popularity in the United States, including an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

However, just three months later he was on trial for the murder of New Jersey attorney Joseph Galfy, which he claims was self-defense. He is currently incarcerated in New Jersey.

The Alberta native reached out directly to The Tab to publish a shocking statement claiming that Netflix has not compensated him for the film. He also reiterates that he is innocent and murdered the man in self-defense but was not afforded due process.

“So, Netflix is making a movie about my life story before I was arrested, but they refuse to pay me anything for it. If someone made a movie about OJ Simpson’s football career, you’d better believe he’d be making bank off it. Guys who kill and rape women get money for their pre-arrest fame- but I saved women from being killed and allegedly killed a rapist, so Netflix is ruthlessly exploiting me. What the fuck?”

Netflix’s “The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker” Documentary Explained

The new documentary comes as part of a growing demand for true-crime shows and films. 

However, “The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker” seems to tap into something more expansive than the crime itself. The first half of the Netflix documentary focuses more on the exploitation of Kai at the beginning of his fame. It throws light on the bizarre phenomenon of viral trends.

The internet responded favorably to an interview with homeless hitchhiker Kai, who describes smashing a truck driver on the head with a hatchet to defend a woman, allegedly. He received admiration for his charismatic personality and carefree attitude from the users. 

Hollywood producers and agents relentlessly pursued Kai to capitalize on his popularity. However, things turned sour quickly when Kai’s behavior became increasingly unpredictable and inappropriate.

Kai’s recent statement is perceived as hypocritical by some since he doesn’t seem to take issue with the media exploitation that gave him a spotlight. The Netflix documentary shows Kai becoming increasingly entitled, demanding free drinks and perks at venues simply because he is Kai.

He made sure to take advantage of the benefits that instant fame brought him through no effort of his own. However, his statements point out the arguably exploitative aspect of true-crime documentaries in general. They ultimately capitalize on actual horrific events and the painful experiences of real people for entertainment. 

While their often-salacious nature is hard to deny, these projects can also have a positive impact by raising awareness and offering an in-depth analysis of complex human psychology. It sometimes results in even re-opening cold cases, such as what happened following Netflix’s “Tiger King” series’s episode on Carol Baskin’s missing husband.

Kai’s remarks seem unlikely to change anything on Netflix’s part. His statements may also do little to sway public opinion. The viewers of the documentary may have little doubt about the former Internet sensation’s guilty verdict.

Kai’s history of violence and mental health issues before the brutal murder has made people question McGilliviary’s credibility. “The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker” may be better told by other voices for the time being.