A man living in Kentucky is reportedly taking legal action against after his photo was used without permission in a true-crime documentary.
Taylor Hazelwood claimed he was completely unaware of the programme until a friend reached out to say they had seen his photo on The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker.
The shocking doc follows a happy-go-lucky Caleb ‘Kai’ McGillvary’s ascent to viral stardom and the steep downward spiral that resulted in his imprisonment.
McGillvary used his hatchet to control Jett McBride, a man who gave him a ride before attacking a utility worker.
The photograph in question was taken from Hazlewood’s Instagram page and showed him holding a hatchet. Allegedly, this was used by the streaming giant without his permission, and was shown on-screen with audio stating: ‘Is this a guardian angel or a stone-cold killer?’
According to, his lawyer Angela Buchanan claimed that Hazlewood had ‘no connection whatsoever to the people or events depicted in the film’ and ‘never sought or did anything to attract attention for the McGillvary story.’
He is seeking more than $1million (£803,990) in damages.
‘Hazlewood is, of course, beyond angry that Netflix would implicate and connect him to such a salacious and infamous story and individual,’ Buchanan stated.
‘Hazlewood’s reputation has clearly been tarnished. There are many acquaintances who will see Hazelwood’s photograph in the Film and will assume the worst without contacting Hazelwood to get the truth.’
claims that the photograph of him holding the hatchet was taken in homage to his favourite childhood book, Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, and was used by Netflix to showcase him in a ‘sinister and defamatory light.’
Metro.co.uk has reached out to Netflix for comment.
The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker is available to stream on Netflix.
