Trials by Social Media

PROJECT OVERVIEW

True crime YouTube creator Mollie Westbrook unpacks some of the biggest and most shocking cases and scandals that have played out online. Exploring the timelines, evidence, and public comments, we see how social media was fundamental in the shaping of each story, while also serving as a figurative judge and jury.

There are 5 episodes in this digital series: Caroline Flack, Nicola Bulley, Phillip Schofield, Vardy VS Rooney and Sarah Everard. Each episode is available to stream on the Crime and Investigation Play App, or alternatively will be released weekly from 16th June onto the Crime and Investigation Youtube Channel!

 

Episode 1: Caroline Flack

The face of UK reality TV, Caroline Flack’s suicide shocked the world. In exploring the timeline of events leading up to her death, Mollie Westbrook breaks down the accusations and comments made at Caroline, and how social media exacerbated her deteriorating mental health.

Episode 2: Nicola Bulley

What started as a tragic missing person’s case became a social media frenzy. Mollie Westbrook looks at the internet conspiracies and accusations around Nicola Bulley’s disappearance, and how they took the world by storm. When the whole world is discussing a case online, do we forget the people at the heart of the investigation?

Episode 3: Phillip Schofield

After a series of public scandals, former national treasure Phillip Schofield destroyed his career and reputation after an affair with a younger male colleague. Mollie Westbrook documents and demonstrates how rapidly social media can spread a story. We also see the impact on Schofield himself, as well as the young man he denies grooming.

Episode 4: Vardy vs Rooney

Known as Wagatha Christie, this is the online scandal that captivated the world and generated multiple media spin-offs. Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy went head-to-head in the high court when Rooney accused Vardy of leaking personal stories to the press. Mollie Westbrook describes and analyses the part social media played in getting to the bottom of the tabloid leaks.

Episode 5: Sarah Everard

What started as a tragic murder case of a young woman escalated into a national online conversation about women’s safety and protests against the UK police force. After being raped and murdered by a Metropolitan Police officer with a history of sexual misconduct, the case of Sarah Everard became a talking point for many on social media. Mollie Westbrook reflects on an emotive case.

Get in Touch

© 2025 CONTENT KINGS