Netflix's latest docuseries, Trial By Media, examines famous trials that were media circuses. The first episode focused on the murder trial and civil trial that resulted from a confessional segment on Jenny Jones' tabloid talk show. Three days after an episode was taped that featured Jonathan Schmitz professing his love for his friend Scott Amedure (which was unreciprocated), Schmitz fatally shot Amedure.
The segment never aired, and the syndicated talk show became synonymous with the murder trial which resulted.
The reveal of Schwartz's crush on Amedure made him embarrassed (even though he appeared unbothered to viewers in the audience and at home), especially when it was revealed in front of a live audience. It also triggered a murder trial. Schmitz was charged with second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 to 50 years in 1999. He was released in 2017.
The Amedures believed that the talk show played part in Scott's death. They sued the producers of Jones' show for $25 million, citing negligence and the ambush tactics they used on Schmitz, who had a mental illness. The civil trial initially ordered The Jenny Jones show to reward the Amedure family $25 million in 1999. However, it was overturned in 2002. It was ruled that the talk show "had no duty to anticipate and prevent the act of murder committed by Schmitz three days after leaving the studio," according to Variety, and they were not held responsible.
The Michigan Court of Appeals, which reversed the decision, noted that the Jenny Jones Show "may be regarded as the epitome of bad taste and sensationalism," and would come off the air the following year due to poor ratings.
"The one thing that I sort of came away with after all this is, I really am just very cynical about the press," she stated in an undated archival interview shown during Trial by Media. "You know, this was a rush to judgment, it was unfair reporting, for the sake of a sensational story."
So, who is Jenny Jones? The former talk show host hustled her way to fame.
Jones grew up in London and always aspired to be an entertainer.
According to her website's bio, after her parents divorced, she left home to play drums in a rock band, touring the US and Canada, and then moving to LA in the 1960s. While working part-time jobs to make ends meet in her 20s, she formed an all-girls band called The Cover Girls. During a performance in Las Vegas, she was discovered by Wayne Newton and took her on to be his backup singer, and eventually the arranger for his backup vocals.
In the 1970s, she moved back to Los Angeles and formed her own band.
She called it Jenny Jones and Company, where she served as the lead vocalist. Between songs, she told jokes and made humorous observations, which was a big hit with the audience. Jones soon realized her comedic talent while performing with the band, and decided to focus more on comedy, taking on odd jobs to make ends meet.
She was a repeat game show contestant
Jones also appeared as a contestant on game shows such as The Price Is Right and The Match Game in the 1980s to make some extra cash. Her winnings from the game shows allowed her to pursue comedy full time. She shared the stage with stars such as Jerry Seinfeld, Tim Allen, Billy Crystal. After five years of paying her dues, she got her big break winning the "Star Search" Comedy Grand Prize and a check for $100,000 in 1986. She skyrocket into fame, performing at major venues like Caesar's Palace and Radio City Music Hall and shared billings with stars such as Tony Bennett and Glen Campbell.
She toured with Engelbert Humperdinck
After she toured with English pop singer Engelbert Humperdinck for one year, Jones gained national attention with profiles in TIME and People, along with interviews on 20/20 and Larry King Live. Jones' appearances caught the attention of Warner Bros. Studios, who offered her a daytime series that could showcase her talent. Thus, The Jenny Jones Show was born.
The Jenny Jones Show
The Jenny Jones Show had over 2,000 tapings and from 1991 to 2003. The talk show, taped in Chicago, featured unusual segments such as makeovers, paternity tests, secret crushes, neighborly disputes and unruly teenagers. Although it was wildly popular, it was criticized for its sensationalism and the ambush tactics used to increase ratings, especially after the murder trial and subsequent civil trial.
Since leaving the television world, Jones has rebranded herself and shifted her focus to philanthropy. In 2008, she launched "Jenny's Heroes," which committed close to $2 million for individuals to improve their communities. One of Jones' more recent efforts was "Jenny's Heroes California," which donated $25K to local fire departments. "There's no better feeling than giving back to everyday people and seeing how much good they were able to do because of my good fortune," Jones said.
In her free time, she likes to cook. She has a YouTube channel called "Jenny Can Cook," with over 900K followers and a blog that features her recipes. Jones has no plans to return to TV.
She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband. Jones declined to participate in Netflix's Trial By Media.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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