Mark Kaufman, who was the Millers' best man, says his friendship with Pastor John‑Paul Miller has been "mischaracterized" in public discussion of a Netflix documentary about the case. Kaufman told journalist Robbie Harvey that John‑Paul was not part of his core friend group and denied witnessing any abuse of Mica. Mica Miller was found dead at a state park in April 2024, and authorities ruled her death a suicide. John‑Paul faces federal charges for cyberstalking and making false statements, but prosecutors have not linked him to her death.
Best Man Says Friendship With Pastor John‑Paul Miller Was 'Mischaracterized' Amid Netflix Series
John-Paul Miller’s friend says their relationship has been ‘mischaracterized’
A friend of Pastor John‑Paul Miller says public discussion about a Netflix documentary on the case has "mischaracterized" the nature of their relationship. Mark Kaufman, who served as the Millers' best man, told journalist Robbie Harvey that he and John‑Paul were not part of the same close friend group and that portrayals suggesting otherwise are inaccurate.
In a statement released to Harvey, Kaufman said he was not part of the Millers' core social circle and that the series' depiction does not reflect how he actually spent his time with John‑Paul.
"My relationship with John Paul Miller has also been mischaracterized in the public discussion surrounding the series. He was never part of the core group of friends with whom I regularly spent my time, and portrayals suggesting otherwise do not accurately reflect our relationship."
Kaufman additionally denied any knowledge of abuse within the Millers' marriage. "I never witnessed John Paul abuse Mica. Had I witnessed abuse or believed that Mica was in danger, I would not have ignored it," he said.
The story drew renewed national attention after Netflix released the documentary series Death of the Pastor's Wife. Mica Miller was found dead at a state park in April 2024; authorities ruled her death a suicide. The documentary has prompted public debate and renewed reporting about the circumstances surrounding her death and the couple's relationship.
Separately, Pastor John‑Paul Miller faces federal charges alleging cyberstalking and making false statements to investigators. Prosecutors have not presented evidence tying him directly to Mica's death, and the criminal allegations are distinct from the investigation into her death.
Context: The conversation highlights how high-profile documentaries can influence public perception. Kaufman's statement aims to correct what he says are inaccurate impressions of his relationship with John‑Paul and to deny any firsthand knowledge of abuse.
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