Caroline Flack documentary is about ‘correcting the narrative’, says director
Caroline Flack died in 2020 (Ian West/PA)
A new Disney+ documentary about the months leading up to Caroline Flack’s death is “correcting the narrative”, the series director has said.
The TV presenter, who was known for presenting , took her own life at the age of 40 in February 2020 after learning that prosecutors were going to press ahead with an assault charge, which came after she hit her boyfriend Lewis Burton with her phone over concerns he had been cheating on her.
In the two-part series, , the TV star’s mother, Christine Flack, investigates the police case and how the initial caution Flack received was later overturned after an appeal from the Metropolitan Police, who charged her with assault by beating.
Speaking at a screening, director Christian Collerton said: “I think correcting the narrative was what we sort of talked to Chris about right at the very beginning of this.
“What was put out for public consumption during those two months was essentially the case for the prosecution.
“We wanted to put the case for defence, what didn’t make it into the newspapers.
“And even today, lots of inaccuracies around the case are still being reprinted. So at the very least, we want to kind of put an end to that and give Christine and the Flack family, and Caroline, the dignity of not having her daughter’s name trawled through.
“And she should be remembered for more than what those two months gave.”
Ms Flack speaks about “inaccuracies” in her daughter’s case in the documentary, including reports that Flack had hit Burton with a lamp, rather than a phone, which she said was “wrong” and did not happen.
Sophie Clayton-Payne, series producer, said: “Caroline was never given the opportunity to have a fair trial. She was tried by the media and social media.
“She was victim to speculation and untruths, and we see the devastating impact of that and I think this film’s legacy, you know, is simply that. It’s really simple, be kind.”
In 2023, Scotland Yard apologised to Ms Flack for not recording the reason why her daughter was charged.
A Met Police spokesperson said: “The Independent Office for Police Conduct asked the Met to apologise to Caroline’s family for the absence of a recorded rationale in the CPS appeal process. We have done so and acknowledged the impact this has had on them.
“We remain committed to learning and improving, and our thoughts and sympathies continue to be with Caroline’s family and friends.”
Both episodes of arrive to Disney+ on Monday November 10.
