Vili Fualaau, ex Mary Kay Letourneau, criticizes ‘May December’: it is a ‘copy of my original story’

Natalia Portman AND Juliana MooreGolden Globe nominated film May December faces backlash for his portrayal of Mary Kay Letourneauex-husband VIII Fualaau. The real life inspiration behind it Carlos MeltonThe character, now 40, called the film an “imitation” of his life and explained why he feels “offended” by it.

“I feel offended by the whole project and the lack of respect that was shown to me, that I lived a true story and I still live it,” Vili said. The Hollywood journalist during an interview published on January 4. “I love movies, good movies. And I admire those who capture the essence and complications of real-life events. You know, movies that allow you to see or notice something new every time you watch them. It would be perfect to work with that kind of writer and director, someone who can do that, because my story is not as simple as this film. [portrays].”

Vili also revealed that no one from Netflix, the studio that distributed the film, has “reached out” to him, even though Charles’ character, Joe Yoo, is based on him.

“I’m still alive and well,” Vili emphasized. “If they had contacted me we could have worked together on a masterpiece. Instead, they chose to imitate my original story.”

Based on the controversial past relationship between Vili and Mary Kay, May December follows Elizabeth (Natalie), an actress looking for a new movie role about a 36-year-old former teacher named Gracie (Julianne) who seduced her 13-year-old student Joe (Charles) in the 1990s. and Joe are now married. and have school-age children.

Throughout the film, viewers see Joe question his and Gracie’s marriage. In one scene, the character smokes a joint with his son and admits he’s never tried it before. Towards the end of the story, Joe and Elizabeth have sex, but she insults him by implying that he has never had an adult relationship.

In the final scene of May December, Elizabeth films a scene as Gracie preparing Joe. When the director points out that they can move on, Elizabeth asks to film another take, insisting that the experience is “getting more real” for her.

Mary Kay and Vili’s real-life story unfolded when they were caught having intimate relations in a car when she was 34 and he was just 12. She pleaded guilty to second-degree child rape. While serving time in prison, Mary Kay gave birth to her and Vili’s children. In 2005, the couple got married.

In 2020, Mary Kay died of colorectal cancer at the age of 58. Although she and Vili separated at the time, he remained by her side when she died.