The tragic case of influencer Sara Gilson and her estranged husband, Jeremiah “Shawn” Duffey, is just another opportunity for mainstream media to sensationalize and exploit a devastating event for clicks and ratings. True crime junkies should be outraged at how outlets like TMZ and CNN are potentially distorting the narrative by fixating on the “frantic moments” of the 911 dispatch audio, rather than truly focusing on the deeper societal issues at play.

Instead of searching for real answers—like the mental health crises and the dynamics of domestic relationships—these outlets thrive on providing a morbid spectacle. They aren’t just reporting news; they are crafting a narrative fueled by drama and tragedy, expertly turning every detail into a sensationalized headline. CNN’s soft-glove approach to crime reporting often misses the mark, as they prioritize an emotional response over objective analysis.

Meanwhile, TMZ, known for its salacious scoops, isn’t much better. Their obsession with the “influencer” angle serves to distract from the serious implications of the case. Both are playing with fire, reducing complex human lives to mere buzzworthy content while sidelining the genuine discourse surrounding issues of safety, mental health, and societal norms.

It’s about time we demand more from our media—push back against the emotional manipulation and call for intelligent, responsible journalism that treats victims and their stories with the respect they deserve. Anything less is a betrayal to the very soul of reporting.