They Exploited Me

Key Points:

• Chris Hansen, the host of the original "To Catch a Predator" segment, calls A24’s film "Primetime" a “complete work of fiction,” disputing its portrayal of events and his character, and stating that much of the movie’s narrative is fabricated.
• Hansen clarifies that the 2006 suicide of assistant district attorney Louis William Conradt Jr., featured in the film, is based on real events but the circumstances and timeline depicted are inaccurate; he emphasizes that the sting operations were conducted responsibly in collaboration with law enforcement.
• The film’s fictionalized depiction of Hansen’s personal and professional life, including exaggerated mannerisms and fabricated interactions, has upset Hansen and former colleagues, some of whom are considering legal action for unauthorized use of Hansen’s name and image.
• Hansen continues his investigative work through his media platform TruBlu, hosting shows like “Takedown With Chris Hansen,” and notes an increase in viewership following the film’s release, though he remains critical of the film’s portrayal and questions Hollywood’s motives.
• NBC declined to comment on Hansen’s claims about internal restrictions on speaking about the film, stating only that "Primetime" is a fictionalized portrayal of events from nearly 20 years ago and that "Dateline" has evolved significantly over its history.