Alex Murdaugh Slams Hulu’s ‘Death in the Family’ Over “Inaccurate” Portrayal of Wife and Son’s Murders

Convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh has publicly criticized the new Hulu series “Murdaugh: Death in the Family”, accusing it of distorting facts about his family and misrepresenting his relationships with his late wife and son. The controversial dramatization, which began airing new episodes this week, centers around the real-life shooting deaths of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh.

According to a statement released by Murdaugh’s attorneys, the series fails to reflect the truth and includes what they called “numerous inaccuracies.” The legal team claims that Hulu producers never contacted Murdaugh, his family, or his lawyers for their perspectives before the show’s release.

Hulu’s Alex Murdaugh Series Draws Backlash Over Family Portrayal

The latest episode, titled “June 7,” dramatizes the 2021 night when Maggie and Paul were fatally shot at the Murdaugh family’s estate in Moselle, South Carolina. The scene opens with actor Jason Clarke, portraying Murdaugh, discovering their bodies and calling for help. While the show presents itself as a scripted reenactment inspired by true events, Murdaugh’s defense insists it crosses into distortion.

In a statement dated Nov. 4, attorneys Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin said, “Alex is deeply disappointed and disturbed by the recent Hulu streaming series about him and the entire Murdaugh family. The program contains numerous inaccuracies and misleading portrayals that distort the truth of their lives.”

Murdaugh’s legal team argued that the series unfairly dramatizes his behavior and paints his relationship with Paul as volatile and aggressive. The show includes a tense scene depicting Murdaugh shoving his son, a moment his lawyers claim is “baseless and false.”

The defense also criticized Hulu’s production team for failing to reach out for verification. “No one from Hulu ever reached out to Alex, his son Buster, anyone in the Murdaugh family, or Alex’s attorneys to hear their perspective or verify the facts,” the statement said.

Episode ‘June 7’ Depicts Night of Murders Amid Family Drama

Episode six follows the Murdaugh family during a period of growing tension. Maggie is portrayed as seeking freedom outside Hampton County, while Paul grapples with responsibility and Alex faces emotional strain over his father’s declining health. The episode culminates in the murders that changed the family forever.

According to Hulu’s synopsis, next week’s episode (airing Nov. 12) will focus on surviving son Buster as he copes with the deaths of his mother and brother while Alex’s legal troubles and drug addiction deepen. The show has been described by Hulu as a “scripted dramatization inspired by actual events,” rather than a documentary.

Despite that disclaimer, many viewers have taken the show’s depiction as factual. Social media reactions have highlighted several controversial scenes — including depictions of Murdaugh’s substance abuse and a brief, intimate moment between Alex and Maggie — which viewers called “disturbing” and “unnecessary.”

Murdaugh Maintains Innocence as Legal Battles Continue

Alex Murdaugh was convicted in March 2023 of murdering his wife and son after a six-week trial that captivated international audiences. He is currently serving two consecutive life sentences. While he admitted to financial crimes and drug addiction, he continues to deny any role in the murders and has appealed his conviction to the South Carolina Supreme Court.

The Hulu series, starring Jason Clarke as Alex and Patricia Arquette as Maggie, has reignited debate over true crime dramatizations and their ethical limits. Critics argue that such shows risk blurring the line between entertainment and real human tragedy. Murdaugh’s team insists that his story has been sensationalized for streaming audiences.

Episode six of “Murdaugh: Death in the Family” premiered Nov. 5 on Hulu and Disney+. The limited series will conclude with its finale on Nov. 19.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the Alex Murdaugh Hulu series about?

The series “Murdaugh: Death in the Family” dramatizes the downfall of South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh and the 2021 murders of his wife and son.

Q2: Did Alex Murdaugh cooperate with Hulu’s production?

No. His lawyers stated that Hulu never contacted Murdaugh, his family, or legal team for input or verification.

Q3: When does the next episode of “Murdaugh: Death in the Family” air?

Episode seven airs on Nov. 12, followed by the series finale on Nov. 19.

Q4: What is Alex Murdaugh’s current legal status?

Murdaugh is serving two life sentences for the murders of his wife and son, though he continues to appeal his conviction.

Q5: Who stars in Hulu’s Murdaugh series?

Jason Clarke stars as Alex Murdaugh, Patricia Arquette as Maggie Murdaugh, and Johnny Berchtold as Paul Murdaugh.