Amanda Knox's Fringe show Cartwheel has drawn sharp criticism from Meredith Kercher's sister, who says the production reopens lasting family trauma and disrespects Meredith's memory. A petition of about 2,400 signatories argues the show risks normalising violence against women. Knox and the venue defend the performance as confronting difficult topics and upholding free expression, while the family has called for public scrutiny of the decision to stage a show tied to a real, traumatic case.
Amanda Knox's Fringe Show 'Cartwheel' Sparks Outcry From Meredith Kercher's Sister
[PA Media]
Amanda Knox's solo comedy show Cartwheel, scheduled for an 11-day run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, has been criticised by Meredith Kercher's sister, Stephanie Kercher, who says the performance reopens painful wounds for the family.
The Fringe listing describes Cartwheel as a show about motherhood and how Knox might explain the Perugia case to her daughter. The title references a long-circulated claim that Knox performed cartwheels in a police station after her friend's death, a detail Knox has said she addresses in the show.
Family Reaction
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Stephanie Kercher addressed Knox directly and urged her to consider the impact on Meredith's family and friends. She said:
“What I would say [to Knox] is to think about the family here, think about her friends and to turn the tables if it was your sister that this had happened to… Meredith absolutely wouldn't find these topics of any comedy value.”
Stephanie described the family's pain as "immense" and said it endures nearly two decades after Meredith's death. She also highlighted a petition, organised by a friend of Meredith, which has gathered just over 2,400 signatures and argues the show disrespects Kercher's memory and risks normalising violence against women.
Knox's Response and Venue Statement
Knox has defended the production, saying Cartwheel "honours Meredith Kercher's memory and calls out the violence that was done to her and me." She told The Telegraph she does not joke about Meredith's death but does address how she was vilified in the media. On Instagram Knox said the petition contains "many false assumptions" and that most signatories have not seen the show.
Amanda Knox said Meredith Kercher would find her comedy funny [Getty Images]
The show's venue, the Gilded Balloon Teviot, said the Fringe provides a platform for a wide range of voices and emphasised its commitment to freedom of expression, noting that many acclaimed Fringe shows tackle difficult subjects such as grief, trauma and identity.
Case Background
Knox and Meredith Kercher were language students sharing a house in Perugia in 2007 when Kercher, 21, was found dead with her throat cut and having been sexually assaulted. Knox and her then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito were arrested and convicted, and Knox served four years in an Italian prison before being acquitted on appeal and returning to the US in 2011. A 2014 retrial reinstated convictions, but Italy's highest court finally overturned them in 2015.
Ivory Coast-born Rudy Guede was convicted after his fingerprints were found at the scene and served 13 years of a 16-year sentence. Although some rulings at points suggested others were involved, after Knox and Sollecito were ultimately cleared no additional accomplices were convicted.
Where Things Stand
The controversy has prompted calls from Stephanie Kercher for public officials to examine whether staging a show tied to a specific, traumatic real-life case sets an inappropriate precedent. She has asked Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to look into the matter and said she would like to meet him to discuss her concerns.
Knox, now 39, lives in Washington State, is married with two children, and has written two books about her imprisonment. She also served as an executive producer on the drama The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox.
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