Major Controversies Surrounding Nancy Grace: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Nancy Grace—discover key moments of controversy.

Nancy Grace is an American legal commentator and television journalist known for her strong opinions and advocacy for victims' rights. She gained prominence as the host of 'Nancy Grace' on HLN (2005-2016), a nightly show covering celebrity news and current affairs, often focusing on crime and justice. Before that, she hosted 'Closing Arguments' on Court TV. Grace has also authored a book criticizing aspects of the criminal justice system and was involved in the reality show 'Swift Justice with Nancy Grace'. Her style is characterized by emotional intensity and a focus on high-profile cases.

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Full Timeline Controversies & Scandals

1997: Reprimand by Supreme Court of Georgia

In 1997, Nancy Grace was reprimanded by the Supreme Court of Georgia for withholding evidence and making improper statements in an arson and murder case, leading to the overturning of the conviction.

March 2006: Article questions Nancy Grace's account of her fiancé's murder

In March 2006, an article in the New York Observer suggested Nancy Grace embellished the story of her college fiancé's 1979 murder in her book Objection! to better support her image. The Observer cited contradictions between the events and Grace's statements.

Objection!: How High-Priced Defense Attorneys, Celebrity Defendants, and a 24/7 Media Have Hijacked Our Criminal Justice System

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November 21, 2006: The Smoking Gun Exposes Pending Litigation

On November 21, 2006, The Smoking Gun exposed pending litigation on behalf of the estate of Melinda Duckett, asserting a wrongful death claim against CNN and Nancy Grace. The attorney for the estate alleges that Grace's aggressive questioning traumatized Duckett so much that she committed suicide.

March 2007: Nancy Grace responds to Keith Olbermann's comments

In March 2007, Nancy Grace responded to Keith Olbermann's claims from a Rolling Stone interview in which he suggested she should be in therapy rather than on television because she embellished the story of her fiancé's murder. Grace stated she would not waste her time on a war of words with someone she had never met.

November 8, 2010: Settlement Reached with Duckett Estate

On November 8, 2010, Nancy Grace reached a settlement with the estate of Melinda Duckett to create a $200,000 trust fund dedicated to locating Trenton.

November 22, 2011: "Vodka Mom" Case

On November 22, 2011, Toni Annette Medrano accidentally killed her 3-week-old son while sleeping on the couch with him. Nancy Grace infamously dubbed Medrano "Vodka Mom" while covering the case.

2011: New York Times Article Criticism

In a 2011 New York Times article, David Carr criticized Nancy Grace's handling of several cases and her erosion of respect for basic rights.

January 4, 2012: Lawsuit against CNN settled

On January 4, 2012, a lawsuit against CNN, which was brought by the family of Medrano, was settled. The lawsuit stemmed from the suicide of Medrano after a segment on Nancy Grace's show. Personal injury attorney Michael Padden stated that the case was settled in principle two weeks prior and was resolved through negotiation.

June 6, 2012: Medrano Charged with Manslaughter

On June 6, 2012, Toni Annette Medrano was charged with two counts of second-degree manslaughter in connection to the death of her infant son after she fell asleep with him while intoxicated.

January 6, 2014: Controversial Statements on Marijuana Use

On January 6, 2014, Nancy Grace made controversial statements on CNN during a segment covering legalization in Colorado, depicting recreational marijuana users negatively, saying users were "fat and lazy."

January 2014: Negative Depiction of Recreational Marijuana Users

In January 2014, Nancy Grace sparked controversy with her negative portrayal of recreational marijuana users, stating they were "fat and lazy."

April 8, 2014: Nancy Grace discusses Ultimate Warrior's death

On April 8, 2014, following the death of WWE Hall of Famer The Ultimate Warrior, Nancy Grace hosted Diamond Dallas Page to discuss Warrior's death. Grace claimed there were 'rumors of steroid and drug use' surrounding his death, despite an autopsy concluding he died of natural causes without drugs or alcohol in his system. Grace also mentioned a list of wrestlers who died young, linking their deaths to drug abuse, even if unrelated.

October 11, 2016: Guest Appearance on The Jim Norton and Sam Roberts Show

On October 11, 2016, Nancy Grace was a guest on "The Jim Norton and Sam Roberts Show", where she was criticized for capitalizing on others' tragedies. They addressed her handling of The Ultimate Warrior's death and the Duke lacrosse case.

April 2018: Analysis of Nancy Grace's reading by Tyler Henry

In April 2018, Susan Gerbic published "Nancy Grace Should be Ashamed of Herself!" analyzing Nancy Grace's reading by Tyler Henry. The analysis detailed how Grace was likely fooled by cold and hot reading techniques used by psychics.