Jana Kramer Shares the Impact of Her New Film 'Gaslit By My Husband' on Her Personal Journey

Jana Kramer Says New Movie Gaslit by My Husband Hit Close to Home

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Filming the new Lifetime movie Gaslit By My Husband was a challenging yet healing journey for Jana Kramer.

During her "Whine Down" podcast episode on Monday, June 3, the 40-year-old actress revealed her desire to raise awareness about domestic abuse. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to shed light on such an important issue through this project. Kramer felt a personal connection to the storyline, as it resonated with some of her own experiences.

Gaslit By My Husband is based on the real-life story of Morgan and Rodney Metzer, portrayed by Kramer and Austin Nichols in the film. Rodney becomes the main suspect when a masked intruder attacks Morgan, causing her to question their relationship.

Initially hesitant about taking on the challenging story, Kramer found the courage to do so with the support of her therapist and Morgan. She credited Nichols, her former co-star from One Tree Hill, for being a crucial part of her ability to tackle the role.

Kramer shared a challenging experience from filming a scene in the podcast. Nichols' character attacks her by placing a pillowcase over her face, triggering a panic attack. She explained that feeling trapped under someone's weight reminded her of a past trauma where she couldn't move.

During the scene, Kramer struggled to breathe and felt as if she was being strangled again. She screamed loudly, causing the filming to pause as she couldn't catch her breath. After removing the pillowcase, she had to take a break outside to calm down and collect herself before continuing with the scene.

Kramer said Nichols was the “only person that I felt safe around” during the difficult moment, and that she eventually was able to “take the power back.”

Jana Kramer Says New Movie Gaslit by My Husband Hit Close to Home

Kramer, who is currently engaged to Scottish soccer coach Allan Russell, did not mention the name of her abuser during Monday's podcast. She has, however, shared about the domestic abuse she experienced from her late ex-husband, Michael Gambino, in the past.

The exes got married in 2004 but their marriage lasted less than a year. Gambino was found guilty of premeditated attempted murder soon after they split in 2005. He was released on parole after serving five years in prison, but sadly died by suicide in 2012.

Kramer shared that filming a scene where Morgan confronts Rodney in court felt like a huge relief for her. She mentioned that it was a moment she never had the chance to experience before. Unlike the intense attack scene in the movie, this particular scene brought a sense of closure for Kramer.

She shared with listeners that she imagined herself confronting her abuser in court, replaying the scenario in her mind. She expressed that she captured every emotion and detail during this mental exercise. Remembering her therapist's advice to reclaim her power, she felt empowered to move forward and heal.

Don't miss the premiere of Gaslit by My Husband on Lifetime, airing Sunday, June 9, at 8 p.m. ET.

If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.

Editor's P/S:

Jana Kramer's journey in filming "Gaslit By My Husband" reflects the profound impact that domestic abuse can have on survivors. By portraying the character of Morgan, Kramer confronted her own past trauma and found healing through the process. Her experience highlights the importance of raising awareness about domestic violence and providing support to those who have been affected.

Kramer's decision to take on this challenging role was not without its difficulties. The intense scenes, particularly the one where her character is attacked, triggered a panic attack that forced filming to pause. However, through the support of her therapist and co-star, she was able to overcome her fears and use the experience as a means of reclaiming her power. The film's premiere serves as a poignant reminder of the courage and resilience of domestic violence survivors, and its message of hope and healing should inspire others to seek help and find their own paths to recovery.