Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Amanda Knox

Public opinion and media debates around Amanda Knox—discover key moments of controversy.

Amanda Knox is an American woman who was wrongfully convicted and imprisoned in Italy for the 2007 murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher. She spent nearly four years incarcerated before being definitively acquitted by the Italian Supreme Court of Cassation in 2015. Despite her acquittal on the murder charge, in 2024 an Italian appellate court upheld her slander conviction for falsely accusing Patrick Lumumba of the murder. Her case garnered international attention and raised questions about the Italian justice system and media coverage of criminal trials.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Controversies & Scandals

2007: Wrongful Conviction in Murder of Meredith Kercher

In 2007, Amanda Knox was wrongfully convicted in the murder of Meredith Kercher, a fellow exchange student with whom she shared an apartment in Perugia, Italy.

December 5, 2009: Knox Convicted

On December 5, 2009, Amanda Knox was convicted on charges of faking a break-in, defamation, sexual violence, and murder, and was sentenced to 26 years imprisonment.

2009: Knox and Sollecito Convicted

In 2009, Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito were convicted in their initial trial for the murder of Meredith Kercher, and sentenced to 26 and 25 years in prison, respectively.

March 26, 2013: Acquittals Set Aside

On March 26, 2013, Italy's highest court, the Supreme Court of Cassation, set aside the acquittals of Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito from the Hellmann second level trial, ordering a retrial.

January 30, 2014: Knox and Sollecito Found Guilty in Retrial

On January 30, 2014, Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito were found guilty in their retrial. Judge Nencini presided at the retrial.

December 2020: Guede's Early Release

In December 2020, Rudy Guede was given an early release and authorized to finish his sentence with community service. Amanda Knox publicly voiced her dissatisfaction with this decision.

June 2024: Slander Conviction Upheld

In June 2024, an Italian appellate court upheld Amanda Knox's slander conviction for falsely accusing Patrick Lumumba of murdering Meredith Kercher. She was not sentenced to additional prison time.