The fall TV season just got darker — and more fascinating — as Charlie Hunnam steps into one of the most unsettling roles of his career: portraying infamous serial killer Ed Gein in the latest season of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s anthology crime series, Monster.

Following the global success of Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, this new chapter titled Monster: The Story of Ed Gein revisits the 1950s Wisconsin murderer whose real-life crimes inspired some of Hollywood’s most iconic horror villains — from Norman Bates in Psycho to Leatherface in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Buffalo Bill in The Silence of the Lambs.

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But Hunnam says his portrayal is not meant to sensationalize Gein’s gruesome acts — it’s meant to understand them.

“I read every single book that had been written about him — and there were a lot of books,” Hunnam told The Hollywood Reporter at the show’s New York City premiere. “I read all of the court transcriptions, all of his medical records. And then I read the scripts over and over to understand what would drive a human being to do some of the pretty wild things he did — pretty despicable acts.”

“We were serious about understanding the man — not glamorizing him”

Hunnam, known globally for his role as Jax Teller in Sons of Anarchy, admitted that embodying Gein took an emotional toll.

“We were really very serious about trying to understand the man and not just sensationalize this, and certainly not glamorize it at all,” he said.

The 44-year-old actor emphasized that the goal wasn’t to turn Gein into a cinematic monster, but rather to explore the psychological decay that led him there — a story, Hunnam says, about “mental health and the consequences of abuse and isolation.”

Gein, a reclusive farmer, was convicted of multiple murders and grave robberies in the 1950s. His shocking crimes — which included exhuming corpses and crafting household items and clothing from human skin — have haunted American culture for decades.

In portraying such a figure, Hunnam said he had to “disconnect from judgment” and instead focus on the environment that shaped him.

“This was about asking how trauma, isolation, and untreated illness can create something tragic and monstrous,” he explained.

Sarah Paulson’s surprising advice

Interestingly, Hunnam didn’t reach out to Evan Peters — who won an Emmy Award for playing Jeffrey Dahmer in the first Monster season — for advice.

“I’ve never met Evan Peters. I’m an enormous fan of his work. I would love to get to meet him, but I never had an opportunity to,” Hunnam said.

Instead, he turned to another of Ryan Murphy’s regular collaborators: Sarah Paulson, his longtime friend and star of American Horror Story.

“I bumped into Sarah Paulson, who’s worked with Ryan Murphy a lot and tackled some pretty dark characters, and she’s an old friend of mine,” he said. “So I asked her advice about navigating it and she was really kind. She basically said, ‘Challenge yourself. Don’t be afraid. It’s inside you, just look deep and find it.’”

That advice, Hunnam said, gave him the courage to dive fully into the role — even when it became emotionally draining.

Inside Ryan Murphy’s new “Monster” season

The Monster anthology, produced by Netflix and co-created by Murphy and Brennan, aims to explore the psychology of real-life figures who shocked the world.

This new season, however, departs from Dahmer’s urban modern horror to the bleak, rural terror of 1950s America. Shot across eerie Midwestern landscapes, Monster: The Story of Ed Gein reportedly leans less on gore and more on psychological dread — exploring how Gein’s twisted obsession with his mother and his isolated upbringing in Plainfield, Wisconsin, led to his horrific crimes.

Hunnam’s transformation into Gein required months of research, both psychological and physical. Insiders from the production note that the actor adopted Gein’s posture, rural accent, and eerie mannerisms, while spending time in isolation to understand the killer’s mental state.

“Charlie completely disappears into the role,” said one of the producers during the premiere. “He approached it with empathy, not sympathy — and that’s a hard line to walk.”

A balance between horror and humanity

For Hunnam, Monster: The Story of Ed Gein isn’t just another dark drama — it’s a meditation on how society overlooks mental illness until it turns catastrophic.

“We’ve seen the sensationalized versions of Ed Gein in movies for decades,” he said. “But this series looks at what made him — how someone so isolated, traumatized, and untreated could become a reflection of the darker parts of all of us.”

It’s a perspective that mirrors Murphy’s long-standing fascination with human fragility, trauma, and morality — themes that have made his shows like American Horror Story, Ratched, and Feud both horrifying and thought-provoking.

As the series debuts, audiences can expect both a haunting crime story and a chilling character study — one that might force viewers to look beyond the monster and into the broken mind that created him.

In a heartfelt public statement, Jessica Kirson — one of the most respected LGBTQ+ comedians in America — expressed “sincere regret” for performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, a country known for its strict laws against homosexuality and suppression of free expression.

Kirson, who has long been celebrated for her candid, emotionally honest comedy, was among more than 50 international comedians who took part in what Saudi officials have billed as “the world’s largest comedy festival.” The event, held from September 26 to October 9, featured top-tier names like Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Bill Burr, Louis C.K., Whitney Cummings, Aziz Ansari, and Pete Davidson.

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However, the lineup quickly drew backlash from human rights advocates and fellow comedians who accused participants of legitimizing a government that continues to persecute women, the LGBTQ+ community, and journalists.

A performance that divided her fans

In a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, Kirson admitted she initially saw the festival as an opportunity to make a difference — not a political statement.

“I requested a guarantee that I could be openly out as a lesbian on stage and perform gay material,” Kirson said. “I hoped that this could help LGBTQ+ people in Saudi Arabia feel seen and valued.”

She added that she was “surprised” by the invitation but chose to accept after receiving confirmation that she could speak freely about her identity.

“I am grateful that I was able to do precisely that — to my knowledge, I am the first openly gay comic to talk about it on stage in Saudi Arabia,” she continued. “I received messages from attendees sharing how much it meant to them to participate in a gay-affirming event.”

Still, Kirson said that her decision came with unintended consequences.

“At the same time, I deeply regret participating under the auspices of the Saudi government.”

Facing outrage from her own community

Kirson’s participation sparked outrage among her fans and LGBTQ+ advocates who accused her of performing for a “repressive regime.”

On Instagram, where she has nearly one million followers, the comedian’s comment section quickly filled with disappointment and anger.

“You really sold out… I’m super sad about this,” one follower wrote.
“Still waiting for the explanation behind your terrible decision to accept money from a horrible regime,” another added.

Many critics pointed to Saudi Arabia’s well-documented human rights record, including its criminalization of homosexuality, severe restrictions on free speech, and history of violence against dissenting journalists — most infamously the 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

“I will take full responsibility for my actions”

In her statement, Kirson offered a direct apology to her fans and the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledging that her choice caused pain and disappointment.

“I have a special relationship with my fans because of the vulnerable nature of my comedy and the trust they place in me as part of the queer community,” she said.
“To my fans: I see you. I hear you. Your voice matters to me. I love you all, and I am genuinely sorry for making a poor decision that had repercussions I didn’t fully consider.”

Kirson also revealed that she will donate the entirety of her performance fee to a human rights organization, though she did not specify which group.

“I will take full responsibility for my actions and dedicate myself to making amends, so that my words and choices reflect the respect and care you deserve,” she concluded.

A growing rift in the comedy world

The Riyadh Comedy Festival has become a flashpoint for ethical debate in the entertainment industry.

Comedians like Marc Maron, David Cross, and Atsuko Okatsuka publicly criticized the event. Cross condemned Saudi Arabia’s “oppressive regime” and its treatment of minorities, while Okatsuka — who declined the festival’s invitation — went a step further, posting excerpts of the festival’s contract online.

The leaked clause reportedly forbade performers from criticizing “the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership, or its culture,” or from making any remarks that could be perceived as “degrading” to the Saudi royal family or any religion.

That revelation only deepened public skepticism about whether participants like Kirson truly had creative freedom.

A lesson in visibility and accountability

While Kirson’s decision has reignited conversations about the moral responsibilities of artists performing abroad, some fans and fellow comics have praised her willingness to admit fault.

“Jessica did what few comedians ever do — she took accountability,” wrote one fan on X. “That’s more than we can say for many others who performed there.”

Kirson’s apology underscores a larger dilemma facing entertainers: how to balance opportunities for representation and inclusion with the ethical implications of where — and for whom — they perform.

As she continues to navigate the fallout, Jessica Kirson’s story serves as a reminder that even acts done with good intentions can spark difficult, necessary conversations about conscience, visibility, and the price of performance.

Three months after a Manhattan jury delivered a mixed verdict in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ explosive federal sex-crimes trial, the world is bracing for what comes next. The 55-year-old music mogul — once hailed as hip-hop’s ultimate success story — will learn his fate on Friday, October 3, as a federal judge decides how long he’ll remain behind bars for his conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

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The case has already sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, with allegations of sex trafficking, drug-fueled parties, physical abuse, and psychological manipulation. Over seven weeks of testimony earlier this year, prosecutors painted a chilling picture of Combs’ secret life — one filled with power, control, and disturbing sexual rituals that witnesses say blurred the line between pleasure and coercion.

“He ran his world like an empire of fear,” a former assistant testified. “Everyone knew not to question him — or you’d be gone the next day.”

A verdict that divided the nation

The jury’s July verdict acquitted Combs of the most severe charges — racketeering and sex trafficking — but found him guilty on two counts related to interstate prostitution. The split decision left many wondering whether justice had been fully served.

Prosecutors argued that Combs operated a “criminal enterprise” built on exploitation, using his fame and wealth to lure women into what one witness described as “a dangerous fantasy world.”

Defense lawyers countered that the government’s case relied heavily on inconsistent testimonies and “salacious exaggerations,” insisting Combs was the target of a “public shaming campaign.”

Still, Judge Lewis A. Kaplan made clear during the trial’s closing arguments that “the testimony presented raises deeply troubling questions about abuse of power, consent, and celebrity privilege.”

“Freak offs,” baby oil, and a house of secrets

Among the most disturbing revelations were the so-called “freak offs” — secretive sexual gatherings allegedly organized by Combs in luxury hotels across Los Angeles, Miami, and New York.

According to multiple witnesses — including former sex workers, hotel staff, and ex-girlfriends — Combs allegedly demanded that participants use baby oil during explicit acts, some of which were filmed without consent.

“He’d line up women, make them perform, and record everything,” said one former employee during cross-examination. “There was always baby oil, cameras, and drugs — it was like a ritual.”

Prosecutors claimed these encounters often involved coercion and threats, with several women describing physical and emotional abuse behind closed doors.

Cassie Ventura’s emotional testimony

Perhaps the most powerful moment of the trial came from singer Cassie Ventura, Combs’ former girlfriend and longtime muse.

Ventura — who previously filed a civil lawsuit against Combs that was settled privately — took the stand to recount years of alleged abuse, manipulation, and control. Her testimony was raw and emotional, bringing the courtroom to silence.

“He would isolate me, humiliate me, and tell me I owed him my life,” Ventura said tearfully. “It wasn’t love — it was ownership.”

Her words resonated far beyond the courtroom, reigniting debates about abuse and accountability within the entertainment industry.

Kid Cudi’s shocking allegation

Adding another celebrity twist to the trial, rapper Kid Cudi testified about a frightening incident during his brief relationship with Ventura.

Cudi alleged that Combs once broke into his home, furious over their rumored connection. “He was obsessed with control,” Cudi told jurors. “It didn’t matter who got hurt as long as he felt powerful.”

The rapper also claimed that his car mysteriously exploded in his driveway weeks later — a story that quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter), though Combs’ defense team denied any connection to the event.

The witnesses and the fallout

Over 30 witnesses, from ex-employees to federal agents, took the stand, detailing a network of enablers and cover-ups surrounding Combs’ lavish lifestyle. Prosecutors described an empire “run like a private kingdom,” where loyalty was purchased, silence was enforced, and dissent was punished.

Several witnesses claimed they were paid off or threatened to remain quiet about what they saw. One former house manager said he was ordered to destroy security tapes that captured disturbing footage.

“He thought he was untouchable,” the witness said. “He used his fame to make people forget what he really was doing.”

What’s next for Diddy

While Combs was cleared of the most severe charges, his upcoming sentencing hearing could still see him face several years in prison. Legal experts say the judge may consider the “pattern of misconduct” presented at trial when determining the length of his sentence.

His legal team maintains that they plan to appeal, arguing that “public perception was unfairly shaped by media sensationalism rather than evidence.”

Outside the courthouse, supporters and critics of the once-beloved producer have been vocal. Some fans continue to defend his legacy as a pioneer of Bad Boy Records, while others see the trial as a necessary reckoning for decades of alleged abuse and unchecked celebrity power.

Whatever the verdict, one thing is certain: the Diddy trial has marked a turning point in how the world views power, fame, and accountability.

For many, the story of Sean “Diddy” Combs is no longer about the mogul who built an empire — but about the man whose secrets may have finally brought it down.