Unveiling Untold Stories: The Missing Pieces in Netflix's Can I Tell You A Secret on Matthew Hardy

Netflix's new docuseries Can I Tell You A Secret? failed to provide crucial details about Matthew Hardy, his victims, and the aftermath of his actions. The true extent of Matthew's stalking incidents and the consequences for the police officer involved were not fully explored. Since its premiere on Netflix in February 2024, there has been significant off-camera drama impacting the victims and legal implications for law enforcement agencies.

Based on the Guardian podcast of the same name, the Can I Tell You a Secret? Netflix docuseries delves into the disturbing series of stalking and harassment incidents orchestrated by serial cyberstalker Matthew Hardy. Using fake profiles to impersonate multiple women, Hardy fabricated lies and stories that caused immense emotional distress. Many of the victims were left traumatized, resorting to sleeping with weapons out of fear of physical assault by Hardy. The narrative takes a turn when PC Kevin Anderson successfully pieces together the evidence, leading to Hardy's eventual arrest.

Hardy Stalked Multiple Girls from One School

He was only a teenager when this happened.

A scene from Netflix's Can I tell you a secret - He was only a teenager when this happened. - Hardy Stalked Multiple Girls from One School

Can I Tell You A Secret briefly touched on Matthew's cyberstalking behavior towards girls in his school, but did not delve into it deeply. With the rise of Facebook in the early 2000s, many people, including the girls from Matthew's school, signed up for the platform. Similar to other women in the docuseries, these girls received messages from Matthew about their boyfriends cheating on them. One victim even went to the police after receiving a message from Matthew claiming that her deceased mother had been involved in an affair (via DailyMail).

Some Of His Victims Were Not Mentioned In The Docuseries

He was reported over 100 times to one police station

Matthew Hardy's mugshot from Can I Tell You A Secret? - He was reported over 100 times to one police station - Some Of His Victims Were Not Mentioned In The Docuseries

In 2016, activist Gina Martin reported Matthew Hardy for online harassment, similar to other girls he had targeted. Despite her efforts, the police did not take her seriously. In a recent interview with the Independent in February 2022, Martin shared her experience of being harassed by Hardy since 2015. Shockingly, he even went as far as pretending to be her deceased grandmother. Although she was not directly involved in the trial, the impact of Hardy's actions left her feeling anxious. Like many others in similar situations, Gina sought help from the police but was dismissed. Currently, she is actively campaigning to make upskirting a criminal offense in the U.K.

Abby's Family Was Targeted

Her aunt accused her of causing drama

Abby Furness in Can I Tell You a Secret? on Netflix. - Her aunt accused her of causing drama - Abby's Family Was Targeted

Can I Tell You A Secret delved into the harmful impact of cyberstalking and bullying on victims, yet only briefly touched upon the repercussions for their families. Abby Furness, who had been targeted by Hardy since 2019, shared in a 2022 VICE interview that her family also fell victim to the harassment. While the docuseries mentioned Hardy's false accusations about Abby, such as claiming she had an affair with her uncle, it failed to highlight the fact that Abby's aunt threatened to block her on WhatsApp unless she uncovered the truth behind the attacks. Consequently, Abby's relationship with her aunt suffered as a result.

Kevin Anderson Received The Investigator of the Year Award for His Work

He still works as a police officer for the Cheshire Constabulary

Kevin Anderson in Netflix's Can I Tell You A Secret - He still works as a police officer for the Cheshire Constabulary - Kevin Anderson Received The Investigator of the Year Award for His Work

PC Kevin Anderson was honored with the Investigator of the Year Award in October 2022 for his dedicated work on the Matthew Hardy case. Described as going "above and beyond" for the victims of extreme online harassment by the Birkhead News, Anderson continues to serve with the Cheshire Constabulary. While updates on the case have been scarce on social media, with occasional mentions on both the Cheshire Constabulary and Kent Police pages, details about Anderson's current role and whereabouts remain elusive. The docuseries also fails to shed light on Anderson's post-case endeavors.

The Author of the Original Podcast Still Follows the Case

Esquire U.K. listed it as one of the best podcasts to listen to

Can I Tell You A Secret original Guardian logo cropped - Esquire U.K. listed it as one of the best podcasts to listen to - The Author of the Original Podcast Still Follows the Case

The impact of the podcast on the public was not discussed in the docuseries. Sirin Kale, the original author of the podcast, has continued to delve into the topic of stalking and its effects on families. In February 2024, she penned a follow-up article on the case. In a piece by Esquire UK from January 2024, writer Tom Nicholson highlighted the podcast as one of the top 68 podcasts to tune into for the year. According to Nicholson, what sets the podcast apart from other true crime shows is its willingness to tackle the intricate issues central to the story.

Lia Hambly Is Now a Business Owner

She owns several boutiques in the U.K.

Lia, one of Matthew Hardy's victims, is being interviewed in Can I Tell You A Secret? - She owns several boutiques in the U.K. - Lia Hambly Is Now a Business Owner

Having transitioned from a paralegal to a successful business owner, Lia Hambly played a crucial role in the incarceration of Matthew Hardy. Although the Netflix docuseries extensively highlighted her expertise with over 700 pages of evidence, it did not delve into her post-legal journey. Presently, Lia boasts a substantial Instagram following of more than 46,000 individuals. She not only showcases clothing as a model but also candidly discusses her personal encounter with cyberstalking. Moreover, Lia manages her own trendy clothing store named Lia's Looks, where she frequently models the latest collection.

Matthew Hardy Will Be Eligible for Release in 2030

He may even get out earlier.

Matthew Hardy's profile picture from Can I Tell You A Secret? - He may even get out earlier. - Matthew Hardy Will Be Eligible for Release in 2030

Matthew Hardy, as revealed by The Guardian podcast that inspired the docuseries, is currently serving time in a "Category B" prison in the United Kingdom for stalking. In this context, Category B indicates that the prison staff assesses there to be no possibility of escape, as outlined by the Prison Reform Trust. Due to the nature of his offenses, Hardy is currently housed in a section designated for inmates considered at high risk of facing attacks from other prisoners. While his scheduled release is set for 2030, there is a possibility of an earlier release, as many non-violent offenders in the U.K. are granted early release. The podcast suggests that Hardy could potentially walk free as soon as April 2026.

He Plans to Stay Off Social Media Once He's Released

His mother revealed this on the Guardian podcast

An iPhone with incriminating text messages inside a car in Netflix's Can I Tell You A Secret - His mother revealed this on the Guardian podcast - He Plans to Stay Off Social Media Once He's Released

While viewers were given insight from a member of Matthew's family in the documentary series, there was no mention of his immediate family or the fact that his mother also took part in the podcast discussing his crimes and background. In the fifth episode of The Guardian podcast, Donna, Matthew's mother, shared her perspective on witnessing her son's journey through school and the lack of support he received from both the educational institution and the prison where he is currently incarcerated. Donna revealed that Matthew has no intentions of returning to social media upon his release, and she is committed to supporting him through all the challenges that lie ahead.

Sources: The Guardian, DailyMail, The Independent, VICE, The Birkhead News, Esquire UK, Prison Reform Trust

Editor's P/S:

The Netflix docuseries "Can I Tell You a Secret?" has shed light on the disturbing case of serial cyberstalker Matthew Hardy, but it has also left many unanswered questions. While the series effectively conveyed the emotional impact of Hardy's stalking on his victims, it failed to delve deeply into crucial details about his background, the consequences for the police officer involved, and the ongoing aftermath for those affected.

The article highlights the need for a more comprehensive exploration of the case, including the extent of Hardy's stalking incidents and the support systems available to both victims and perpetrators. It also raises concerns about the potential for early release and the lack of information provided to the public about Hardy's post-release plans. Overall, the article underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing cases of cyberstalking and its devastating effects on individuals and families.