They left out the very important fact that the Jenny Jones show had documented before the filming of the show that he DID NOT want to participate if the secret admirer was a male and they LIED to him, told him his case would be fine, and did it anyway. So no justification for we had no idea he might be homophobic and react badly. They had it all written down in their notes.
His actions were not homophobic! 🙄 he was humiliated by the gay boy and his fat manipulative friend. I hope that Mr Schmitz sued the crap out of Jenny Jones for allowing such a humiliating thing to happen to an unknowing guest...
@@FamilyFirst2813not just humiliated but emasculated as well. The guy went from stalker leaving notes to national TV openly saying what he could would and wanted to do to john. Worst part is the people loved it they found it funny. They basically told john by their reactions he's almost certainly gonna get raped but it ok because hes not a woman hes a man so it's funny not fucked up.
As a gay person I do not ascribe homophobia to Jon's actions as this documentary is trying to portray. He knew Scott was gay and had no problems with his sexual orientation nor being friends with him before the show(Scott himself & the girl said Jon knew of his sexual orientation!). I do not think he would have minded if Scott had revealed his feelings to him in private either. The only issue was Scott's decision to reveal his feelings and "fantasies" on a show watched by millions AND HE HAD NO SAY IN IT! AND THE CONTINUED PURSUIT EVEN AFTER HE MADE IT CLEAR TO THE WORLD, HE WAS HETEROSEXUAL! The guy was forced to endure stuff on national TV and rejected his advances right then and there yet Scott would not leave him alone! Jon might be insecure & impulsive but not a homophobe i think! Scott paid a heavy price for his decision to use this avenue to reveal what he revealed without consulting Jon and his continued sexual advances after he was rejected(nicely). 1 life ruined and 1 life taken too early for a series of stupid decisions by Scott.
@@Tornado1994 "HAD this Segment never made to it air, Scott wouldn't have been murdered." It was never aired. The murder happened before that. You're not very bright are you??
I think if Scott had just left it alone afterwards, he may still be alive. Jonathan was already upset, but the vile notes and flashing lights gifts on his door became a stalker at that point, and unnecessary.
The victim did have a part to play in his death. He was sexually harassing a man that already told him he wasn’t interested & only wanted to be friends. That doesn’t justify murdering someone though.
Se puede decir asi cuando lo estas viendo desde la comodidad del hogar. Y no es a ti que te toca. No justifico la muerte. Del joven pero cuando sufres algo asi y no te gusta. La sangre se sube a tu cabeza y pierdes el control. Es dificil de manejar.
Me too. These two including the man that was killed were used for ratings. These r real people and it’s so unfair to do this to anyone and everyone is laughing at them, but if the show had phoned me I would say no way am I going on that trashy show but I can also see that the killer was hoping it was his ex gf ? Rip to the poor victim and his family. I have had females ask me out and I politely say no thanks I am interested in only men . But thanks Iam flattered and then we move on, but on tv where everyone is watching is not good I wouldn’t like that at all
I'm not gay but this is exactly how we justify violence against women. If he wasn't so wretchedly homophobic he wouldn't have been humiliated. He was destroyed and driven to murder by his own hate. Stop victim blaming John was not a victim his whole family is homophobic trash
Jon and all "straight" men need to lighten up and take the compliment, decline the offer and move on as they would if a woman they weren't attracted to did the same thing. If you're secure in your sexuality that's what you WOULD do. Jon obviously wasn't. He acted RIDICULOUS.
@@kittencatlover156 First of all: don't kid yourself. Secondly, I never advocated for what he chose to do. Acting like it was completely unprovoked is not only naive, but frankly, unhinged.
I remember a few years ago, being groped unprovoked by a female coworker whom is a lesbian. All I could do is just politely decline her advances even tho I wanted to knock her flat on her face.
@@NotLikeUs17 Disgusting. I'm so sorry that happened to you. Nowadays I think it's even more common for gay people to be luid and make unwanted remarks because we became a little bit of a "protected class". It shouldnt be that way. Sexual harassment is sexual harassment, always.
The man was not a homophobic. How could he be a homophobic if he was good friends with a man who was openly gay? It’s not fair that gay people think that they can just push their agendas on other people it’s cruel and it’s wrong
You can be a bigot and still be friends with someone of that marginalized group. If the idea of a gay man being into you is that humiliating and scary to you, that is homophobic. Murdering someone because of it is homophobic. One of the most dangerous things a gay man could do is accidentally come on to a straight man, even if the gay man can take rejection, straight men don't just say "no", they have to get violent.
He may have been humiliated, but that isn’t a license to kill some. He went to the guy’s house to kill him. He could’ve gone to his house to break up the friendship and told him to never contact him again.
@@leanie5234 Jon repeatedly told Scott that he wasn't interested, but Scott kept attempting to hit on Jon. It doesn't excuse what Jon did, but it's a reminder that people should know when to take a hint. And BTW, in the 90's many straight men were highly sensitive to anything that threatened their sexual identity which Scott should've taken into account.
The gay guy kept harassing Jonathan afterwards. That’s why Jonathan killed him. It wasn’t because of him being humiliated on national television. If Scott would have just backed off after Jonathan said he wasn’t interested, then he would still be alive today.
@biggiesmalls112 Yes because blaming the victim is always a good idea. Glad to see you're supporting and empathizing with a homophobic murderer who couldn't take a joke
@@sweetiepie3359 they knew it wasn’t a women and if it was a guy Scott wasn’t interested on being in the show. Since he made it clear Jon shouldn’t have been in the show!
@@Mochahontas091 The producers of the show claimed that they did tell Schmitz that the admirer could be male or female.even though they knew it was a male.
@@sweetiepie3359 start at the 8:50 mark. They did tell him, however, they knew for sure it was man so they shouldn’t have said it could be male or female
All this boils down to Scott KNEW Jonathan wasn’t gay. If he thought he was gay, they’ve been alone together! He could’ve initiated something then! But chose to take a man that he knows isn’t gay on national tv to profess his feelings.
And? That's not a license to kill someone. Lol It's not like he had no idea. The show told him it could be a man or a woman. He decided to go on the show ANYWAY.
Imagine being a gay woman with a female partner. A woman has a crush on you and takes you to JJ. You're not interested, because you're involved, yet this woman keeps hitting on you. She leaves Creepy notes and stalks you. You wouldn't like it!! Who would? How about a man not leaving a woman alone?? Stop excusing him because he was gay. He was wrong. Murder happened. Jenny Jones should never be on TV again...not even a cooking show@@@!
I think trying to "take out" your friend on national tv is not nice. Just because you are fine with your sexuality doesn't mean others have to. I understand how he felt, used and making fun off, and maybe he was worried about what his family think of him. Off course that don't justify murder, is a crazy and tragic story.
I feel like people should be acceptable of their sexual preferences but I feel like they should also be respectful of others sexual preferences as well.
I agree with this. God rest his soul, but Scott started this whole controversy. If he wanted to express his affection he could have done it in private. Ofcourse that does not excuse murder, but it should bared some weight in the trial.
@@ClaudiaGonzales13 have you ever considered that gay people just don't have respect for you in particular, because you have no respect for us and most of us tend to believe that respect is earned?
with all due respect, I think that a lot of people need to learn that in almost every murder or assault there is a little thing that you can pick out that the victim "did wrong" or did "to deserve it" etc. I don't see very many comments on cases where straight people murder each other like "she shouldn't have cheated ... doesn't justify murder but she shouldn't have cheated", and yet SO many people have a mindset to pick out something that's arguably less immoral than cheating that the victim did in a situation where a straight person murders someone who is gay or trans. I think you should examine why you think like that, if you do
The female mutual friend should be ashamed. She knew Jon was straight and she still put him on national tv to be humiliated not because Scott was gay but because his tactics were aggressive and forcible. Scott didn’t say I’d like to go to dinner and have a glass of wine and a walk in the park, he said I want to suspend him on a hammock and cover him with dessert toppings. That’s not ok, straight or gay. It’s offensive.
@@jessicamccrady5210 the problem was that Scott was half drunk when he went on stage. That was common back then to make the show more sensational. I seriously doubt Scott wouldn’t have said half of those things he said on the show (after being coached by Jenny Jones mind you). This was the cause for shows like this being ended, what happened around these two men was sad, and horrible and never should have taken place.
It's really sad because it's been nearly three decades when this tragedy happened. I know afterwards a lot of talk shows cleaned up their acts but unfortunately it lasted for a short time. And even after Jonathan serves 17 years imprisoned he was released and he never apologized to Scott's family
I remember this entire case. I hold the trash tv show completely responsible. They had no clue nor care of how any of these people would react to being ambushed for ratings. Then, that the victim kept writing notes to his crush would just make it worse. Stop blaming homophobia and hold the real perpetrators responsible.
I blame the guy who died. He shouldn't have called the show. He could have told that man at home instead of on national television. Crazy. Doesn't make it right for him to kill him, but the consequences of his actions got him killed.
YES, I AGREE, THEY SHOULD'VE PUT THIS SCENARIO TO HIM TO SEE HOW HE WOULD FEEL ABOUT SOMEONE OF THE SAME SEX HAVING A CRUSH ON HIM. JUST LISTENING TO THE AUDIENCES REACTION WHEN SHE MENTIONS THE SHOW IS REMINISCENT OF JERRY SPRINGER 100% SHAME ON THE JJ SHOW FOR THINKING THIS WAS ENTERTAINMENT.
When the Defense Attorney said "Ladies and gentlemen there was a shooting, but there was no murder, I'm like huh???? That was a dumb statement to start off with. Isn't intentionally/purposely harming someone to the point of death, period...considered murder...that got me.
I think he was going for an insanity defense. Their was no question that Jon killed Scott. He was trying to say this happened In a fit of rage and wasn't a predimitated murder.
There are SO many lessons to be learned here. Lesson #1. It’s ok that you may have feelings for someone, same or opposite gender, but KNOW YOUR BOUNDARIES. Lesson #2. If you feel the need to let someone know about your admiration for them (beyond professional) a National talk show is NOT the place to do that.. as in this case, it should have been done privately. Lesson #3. No matter the situation (aside from legitimate personal self defense), taking a human life because of your embarrassment, shame of disdain for someone is not excusable. There were so many other ways to handle this. I don’t believe he killed Scott because he was gay, I believe he killed Scott because he was humiliated and was worried about what other people would think of him afterward. Which leads to my last statement…. Lesson #4. WHO CARES what people think about you!!! If you are not gay, then you are not gay, and if you are gay, then you are…. It’s very simple. Worrying about what other people think of you can drive you to do stupid things (as clearly demonstrated in this case). It’s a lose/lose for everybody. In Conclusion: Always be mindful and respectful of one another and the differences we each have. Mutual respect goes a long way. If you are gay and you have a crush on your straight friend… RESPECT the fact that he/she is not going to be a match and don’t push your feelings…. if you are straight, please don’t think that everyone who is gay “wants” you, or has an underlying motive to be around you or has a disease of some sort to be avoided. --- RANT ENDS HERE---------
@@It-is-me...Melsie If they hadn't humiliated him on national television, and realized the consequences of what could happen, Scott would still be alive. Jonathan is guilty. But so is Scott and the Jenny Jones show.
@@jerrycooper7300 Scott is guilty for being a creep, that's not a crime. Schmitz should have got a restraining order against Scott if the notes were really that bad. Murder is still murder, don't shift the blame to Jenny. She's just a greedy pos
Whether or not that didn't really give Jon the right to kill Scott. If you're justifying murder and being on that lunatics side that makes you it an embarrassment.
@@SandraAlexander-xi5lbScott turned Jon into a murderer by being a perv that wouldn’t stop sexually harassing a man that told him over and over and over he wasn’t gay nor was he interested in a relationship. Nobody deserves to be harassed like that. Scott thought he would continue with his harassment until Jon gave in. What kind of sick fk does that? If this was a man harassing a woman for sex most people wouldn’t have the same opinion.
@@SandraAlexander-xi5lbI think the show made Jon mentally unstable as a result of the stress the show had caused. Scott continuing to hit on Jon and send him creepy notes made things a million times worse. Jon did something stupid but I don’t blame him for reacting the way he did. I’d say this was malicious manslaughter rather murder.
@@cartermorrison7917 No he should not have killed him. The Rest of those people (including “her heiress” Miss jenny. Are Just as Quilty as the poor guy that actually did something to alleviate Some of the humiliation Horror They All put the man through!! That was a bit Beyond “just humiliating” someone (so the Whole World could get a laugh off of him. NONE of hat was fair in any way. Put Yourself in Jon’s place. Any idea what Your reaction would be??? The whole thing is Ridiculous $I can only Hope the right people are held accountable. Everyone involved had a good idea of the outcome. Disgusting the smiling giggling W-re of a “host” got Nothing.. I thought the young man held up extremely Well under pressure like That!!
Homophobia is a very overused word. This guy was humiliated and embarrassed and it made him angry and that's why he went and killed him. He wasn't scared of homosexuals. It's ridiculous how people get these words and start using them. If I was in his situation it would be no different than a girl I wasn't interested in so they had a crush on me. Yes it would be kind of awkward. You don't want to hurt their feelings but you just say not interested. But in this case you would say you know. Thanks for the attention, but I don't swing that way so. But that doesn't mean that you are violently homophobic. Just like arachnophobia. That is an irrational fear of spiders. A phobia is an irrational fear of something.
@@Godzooky I mean I get that there are people out there that are not mentally ok. If a gay guy was hitting on me I would just say look dude, I don't swing that way. And I never will. Bye. No harm done
I was watching the clips of the jenny jones show and there were a few comments from people who knew the guy and they said he wouldnt take no for an answer, one guy who worked with him gave a few stories about his attitude and behaviour and how it led to many fights with men who declined his advances.
Thank you for posting this comment! I watched a documentary where they talked about Scott basically sexually harassing Jonathan. Murder is wrong. No question. However, Scott was not as laid back and innocent as many of these shows depict. This whole situation was just messy.
This is a sad story!! Scott absolutely did not deserve to die but let this be a lesson learned that EVERYBODY AINT PLAYING!! When John expressed that he was heterosexual, Scott should have left him alone instead of sending notes to his home smh
You Are Absolutely Right! Scott Should Have Backed Off And Stepped Back And Just Left The Situation Alone And Thought Ok Jonathan Isn't Into Men I Understand But He Didn't He Pursued Him.
You knew this man wasn't gay. So why would you take him on national television on a well-known show to let him know that you had feelings for him. You could've told him at home in a smaller setting. That man was humiliated.
@Darcy Moon were they fully honest with him? NO. All he knew was he had a secret crush. They were being dishonest with him....that man knew he didn't swing that way, but he still brought that man on that show. He shouldn't have done that. He could've told him that at home, and not on television with millions of people watching. Doesn't make it right that he shot him, but that's the consequence of his actions. He messed around and out.
Jenny Jones's demeanor on the stand was absolutely soulless, diabolical, with a complete lack of remorse or even regret for the fact that a person was dead, with a complete lack of any accountability, and it was so disrespectful to the victim and his family. I'm glad Feiger called her out on her behavior with that smirk on her face the whole time, but it doesn't even look like she had the conscience to give a rip.
Agreed!!!! I’m shocked more people aren’t calling that out! She’s smirking in court in a horrific murder case that happened because of her show!!! She interviewed them!! It’s so diabolical and demonic. It really is.
I laugh when I'm nervous. I got held up at gunpoint and laughed. But gave him the money and lucky for me he left. Jenny knows she embarrassed him. The show was totally at fault. Not for pulling the trigger but the blame is on them for the situation. They are guilty.
It obviously tipped him over the edge,with that stupid baying audience.I can imagine how he would feel more agitated,when he left the studio,and people were probably jibing him about it. The show shouldn’t have done it.Mostly,though,he was guilty of murder.
@@stanbily9416 baby you living in different times...what isn't deep to you may be deep to the next person....do u know when this was? No u don't so hush
He continued to pursue him after the show / things escalated! That's why he killed him! No means no! It wasn't just about being tricked! He was humiliated and he wouldn't stop!
Well said. I think its disgusting to be honest, im not homophobic but all these people are grown adults who knew better. Sure he didnt deserve to die but humiliating, forcing your sexuality in the face of others is wrong. I have no sympathy.
I’m not saying it’s justifiable, but many gay people don’t respect boundaries. I once worked at this company and there was a gay girl that liked me, she would tell me all the time, not only I had a boyfriend but I’m straight and she knew it, she would caress my hands, and my back I was really uncomfortable and one day I was getting my stuff from the lower locker and I was on my knees and she came behind me, said “merry Christmas” and kissed me. I even fell backwards. I was too embarrassed to say anything to anybody or to tell HR, my reaction was silence, but you can’t predict people’s reactions if you cross their boundaries. Respect should be both ways.
@@TheIndependentLens This happened in 1995. LGBTQ itself was NOT openly accepted by most of society at the time. Also, He was Humiliated on National TV. Chastised by his Father,Family,Friends and Coworkers. And finally, Scott begin Sexual Harassing Jon.
Scott humiliates Jon on national TV then instead of leaving it alone as he got his answer. Scot decided to harass and stalk Jon. Moral of the story take no for an answer because some people won't put up with that crap
In 1995 homophobia was rampant. Of course there’s no excuse for killing anyone but I think the talk show bears so much responsibility for this crime. RIP Scott.
"homophobia" 1. Scott betrayed his friend John Schmitz 2. Scott embarassed his friend on NATIONAL TELEVISION. These 2 things alone cause murder by themselves, let alone combined. Then add the fact that a guy hangs out with another and all of a sudden every action has to be viewed in the light of this man is sexually harassing him. If Schmitz was a woman, then shooting a man would have the entire Me Too movement backing him up.
It was a distasteful show but the only one that chose to murder because he was so homophobic was Jonathan. He bought the gun and the bullets and went to Scott's house to kill him. He knew what he was doing. He thought being a murderer was better than people knowing his gay neighbor had a crush on him?! Ridiculous.
@@marniekilbourne608 Misconstruing what was done to the guy is not going to excuse sexual harassment and destruction of a man's reputation. You should think about doing possible harm before you selfishly ruin another human's life. The gay is dead because he didnt care.
@@timeouthumanity2067 This episode aired in the 90's. I actually watched this episode when it aired back then. For some reason, it's become a hot topic decades later.
@@vivecasanders8298it did not air. Wikipedia and Jenny Jones both said the show was “shelved” and never aired. It’s taped and then the murder happened before the show was to be aired.
This is why shows like that aren't on television today. They knew it was exploration. They knew what they were doing was going to cause harm to people.
Who cares about love or infatuation if people are so thirsty and disgusting to make television ( money) that they will exploit race or sexuality to accomplish their goal
@@alexprovence9379 You do not need a television to exhibit, extort or expose human nature. Television programs, like sex and love, take it or leave it. What other people do to excite their lives has no baring on your life or happiness at all.
@@littlevegan8700 Humiliation, especially in public, to surprise and failure will produce very different emotions, and as many of these true crime shows enable us to see that we will never understand human emotions. I was bullied for 12 years and I never paid back in a similar fashion. Humans are different.
The attorney for Scott's family stood to make 1/2 of the $25 million judgment; that was the source of his passion and righteous rage. The shows ARE sleezy, but the attorneys are just as sleezy.
So even after Jonathan told Scott he was straight, he kept sexually harassing him? Nah I'm sorry this is all on Scott. I know we are not supposed to victim blame but did he think he could turn Jonathan gay if he kept sending him unsolicited gifts and unwanted attention? He should've taken a damn hint when Jonathan said "I'm heterosexual". They literally ambushed him on national TV, that's enough to send some people over the edge. What a mess!
I agree with you 100%. If he would've taken No for an answer and not harass him after the show. The jerk would still be alive. I don't feel sorry for him one bit.
The family was quick to get an attorney to win some money from the show. When in fact, it was their own son and the other girl who cantacted the show first. The Jenny Jones show didnt put a gun to their heads ao they would go on the show. Its ridiculous !! Scott kept on harassing jon after the show...
Normally, I sympathize with gay people, but he gets his friend on Jenny Jones show with an audience of millions, knows that his friend has been lied to, and goes on with it anyway. He's lucky Jonathan didn't beat the stuffing out of him on national TV. No one knows how they'll react to a situation unless they're in it. We've all been humiliated, and angered by it, but how many of us have been in that situation where millions witnessed it?
We’re forgetting that this occurred in 1995. It was still lawful in ‘95 to discriminate against gay people denying them the 5th amendment. They were called “special rights”. Most gay people wouldn’t be out loud and proud in 1995, especially not outside of the big cities. It’s clear Amadore enjoyed the humiliation aspect, having total power & control. These guys are known in the community as straight-chasers. It gives them an incredible feeling of being desired, having control, to delude themselves into believing that they can turn a man gay; just like the men who believe their dick is magic enough to turn a lesbian straight. Murder isn’t ever excusable. But the victim wasn’t an angel either, although Johns actions can’t be justified. Nobody won here.
I honestly reckon Jonathon had gay feelings and felt outed. Women are hit on and pestered by men all the time and you don’t see them going around shooting people who make advances on them. If the show had been a woman he wouldn’t have been embarrassed which just goes to show he had internalised homophobia and more than likely had gay tendencies himself to commit such a crime
It makes no sense that they keep saying he was gay and had something with Scott, if that was the case they wouldn’t have been on the show in the first place.
Remember when this happened. Not far from my house! Guy shouldn't of brought him on TV like that!! Guy got himself killed. Easy to find out if he is gay or not!
Taking Jon on TV to say he has a crush was not a good move at all especially knowing he is heterosexual. Murder however is never ok unless its self defense so this was messed up.
So horrible how these evil people embarrassed this young kid on national television! I don’t blame the guy for what he did. I am straight too and I would be embarrassed by the same kind of thing so would a lot of other people.
Would you blast someone to pieces over something like this? More importantly, would you be so dumb and even appear on a show like "Jenny Jones"? *smh* He should have known better in so many ways.
Let's be real. We all have limitations. Something like this on NATIONAL TELEVISION, CAN'T NEVER BE EASILY FORGOTTEN. RIP SCOT. HOPE THERE IS A LESSON LEARNED HERE
As ugly as this sounds, I agree with yu... Especially back then. Being gay wasn't the best thing in the world to be doing, or wanting people to kno you're doing " IT "... RIP Scott 🕊️🙏🏼
But if you sound stupid I’m not gay and if I was it shouldn’t matter. If he hated straight people he would’ve done the same and got life. So life in 1st degree is what he deserved! So sick how being different left Scott with half justice!
@@LoveMyDaisyGirl911 Jenny Jones Show is 100% Responsible and Liable for Scott's Death. Had they NOT aired this Segment like they had PROMISED Jon they wouldn't, he wouldn't have snapped and killed Scott.
You can’t kill someone just because you were embarrassed. He went on national television, knowing someone had a crush on him, and that it could’ve been a man or a woman. If you’re that sensitive then don’t go on television for somebody might reveal a crush you. Are these shows exploitative? Certainly. But you can’t just kill someone because you don’t like them, or because they embarrassed you, or cuz you r afraid people are gonna think you’re gay. The circumstances here were unfortunate, but they do not justify his actions whatsoever.
on repeatedly told Scott that he wasn't interested, but Scott kept attempting to hit on Jon. It doesn't excuse what Jon did, but it's a reminder that people should know when to take a hint. And BTW, in the 90's many straight men were highly sensitive to anything that threatened their sexual identity which Scott should've taken into account.
@@gamarrathcarlos8753 as a female I’ve been hit on INCESSANTLY throughout my life by many men who couldn’t “get the hint”. Ive been grabbed, touched, hollered at, catcalled. Ive tried telling them to stop, tried ignoring them, tried sticking up for myself. At times it’s been scary and made me feel unsafe. Most of them were disgusting creeps who made my skin crawl. I’ve never killed one of those men.
What they left out of this documentary is that the show producers documented that he told them before the show that he would only participate if the crush was a woman. They outright lied to him and said it would be fine. That still doesn't give him the right to murder but the show KNEW he was homophobic because he told them so, they KNEW he didn't want to be filmed with a guy and that he wouldn't consent to participate if that was the plan, and they LIED and did it anyway.
I think the word “homophobia” is ridiculous, ive never seen anyone so scared of a gay person that they can’t function.. because that’s what a phobia is.. if someone just doesn’t like a gay person because of whatever reason that’s just being prejudice and on the extreme level, it’s hate but it’s not a phobia. And I absolutely don’t think he had a phobia, I believe he was upset because they brought him on national tv and embarrassed him. We don’t know how many men approached him after that show.
Scott had a borderline fatal attraction and Johnathan just got tired of it. But it doesn’t justify him killing Scott just don’t be his friend and get a restraining order and that’s it. 😒😢🥺🤨
Yes. Murder is wrong. But I bet if it was a heterosexual man or woman being shot at fir stalking and harassment you wouldn’t have any pity. But since he was gay you people let them pass.
@@pjlee562 I agree that murdering him was obviously wrong but given everything leading up to it I can see how an extreme emotional disturbance (legal term) would be created that would mitigate the sentence to more like a decade. Obviously, he should have just gotten a court order of protection and not destroyed a man's life. Jenny Jones was irresponsible.
Its true, we were friends in prison, people definitely pestered him for his notoriety , but ultimately he stood his ground on being straight . Plenty of homosexual people in prison, but he wasn't one of them . Besides for his bad choice, he really wasn't a bad guy....
There are 2 victims...Jonathan and Scott. Jenny Jones should be held accountable for as well as Scott. And...Scott should have never gone on national television with his secret crush without counting the cost. This is NOT a homophobia situation...even though using "homophobia" is the new trend these days.
That's BS, I watch that show and if you watch that show you saw that he was not happy with that reveal. I remember watching it with my girlfriend at the time and I told her, that he might whip that dude's ass, but he ended up killing.
Yes, I saw it too, thinking though that he would do something violent. This whole show was based on cruelty for entertainment purposes and JJ should have been charged too! Geraldo, that’s another jerk off who has caused violence for ratings and entertainment. 😳🤬
As a nursing student. I have seen people in the psych unit with major depressive and bipolar disorder. And trust me it’s super scary. Some of these people weren’t on meds or have never done any drugs. I hate how that lazy did not take the being mentally ill isn’t serious. She was like yeah whatever.
I have major depressive and bipolar and murder has never crossed my mind. I was abused at home and bullied in school mercilessly. I never once thought the way to handle it was with extreme violence. His behavior WAS NOT justified. And if I ever did kill, my mental illness is NOT an excuse. Omg. I get being annoyed, but you sound like you are giving him and people like me a pass to kill. Not ok, nursing student. Happy for your empathy, sad for your ignorance. And I do think what they did to Jon on t.v. was wrong. But this is alllllllllll Jon's damn fault.
@@Elegant_Sausage I never said it was an excuse. I got annoyed with the lady that it was brushed off like it didn’t matter. Like mental illness doesn’t matter.
Meds make the illness worse. You still believe the mental illness lie? There is no blood test or any test to prove it because there's no such thing. The only chemical imbalance is the ones the drugs create. Depression could be caused by heavy metals, thyroid disorders, lyme disease, mold, gut imbalance, food allergies, parasites and so much more. Heal the body then you won't be depressed. You can't eat McDonald's everyday and expect to be mentally well.
The defendant was "ambushed ....for ratings" for a tv show. Surprises can have deadly consequences. Defendant guilty of murder of a young man who "simply had a crush on a friend"......so sad he lost his life. Jon just couldn't handle his embarrassment and he had to pay for killing a man. The show destroyed two men. This man inferring the two had an intimate time after the show is just wrong. This man has no facts as to what happened after the show.
As a ex lesbian activist, I'm truly baffled of what's LGBTQ are presentiously requested. I never thought in my vocabulary that one day, I will witness those types of not funny approaches, that cause the provocative being lost his life. Why stalking a straight man, when u know he's a straight man? What I'm witnessing today in the world is beyond imagination. All I wanted is some security to be respected, at work, get my partner to be able to get my pension, remain in the house/apartment in case of death,I'm not into marriage, cause it's shouldn't be. But now especially in the state, it had get out of proportion 😮😮😮😮
Why was the fact Scott put a note on Johnathon’s door just 3 days after the show not discussed here? Also, the show lied to him when he asked if it was a man. Of course, like everything else, this episode is trying desperately to fit a particular narrative. Doesn’t work. Most of us were alive and remember how it all went down. And Jenny Jones smirking in court is repulsive.
This was such a great story - nothing like it since. Jenny Jones should have definitely been held liable for setting up this disaster. Anything for ratings.
@@gavinbrando8255 What was a reach, holding Jenny Jones responsible? Lol. Of course she's responsible - whose name is on the title of the show and who approves all the topics covered on the show? She knew exactly what she was doing. Ratings.
especially when they lied to him - he told them if the secret admirer was a man he wasn’t interested, so the staff told him the admirer was a woman - They absolutely hold some liability
especially when they lied to him - he told them if the secret admirer was a man he wasn’t interested, so the staff told him the admirer was a woman - They absolutely hold some liability
Scott was playing a very dangerous game of Russian Roulette. He had no idea how Jon was going to react after being humilated, antagonized and in the end, he only has himself to blame for his own demise. Murder is never okay, but this is why you don't mess with a man's boundaries.
@@brentmoren3160 Did I say he deserved to die? I'm simply pointing it out that he had a hand in his own fate. Why do you think we're always told to leave a person alone? So, we don't get ourselves involved where it could lead to a tragic ending.
You can't trust that a straight man is going to act appropriately in these situations. In my line of work I learned very quickly that the world is full of men who can't control their anger. They were playing with fire!
He controlled his anger just fine until he was continuously pursued after he said no. Scott seems to be the one who couldn’t control himself. “No! Means no.
It's been said that Schmitz was blindsided by the revelation but if I was told that my crush could be a woman or man, that's enough for me to say no thanks. I can understand the embarrassment but the Jenny Jones Show should have had some culpability in this terrible tragedy...
They lied to him. When the show called him & said his crush might be a man or woman. John Schmidt refused to be on it. To get him to agree to come on, the producer reassured him his secret crush was definitely a woman. This testimony was in the civil trial.
@@kleeamd8274 That is truly disgusting. Jenny Jones is disgusting. And the gay victim then stalked him with lewd messages. That's disgusting. Sent the straight guy over the edge. The humiliation distilled inside him. It became a matter of honour for him. In days gone by he would have challenged the gay guy to a duel. Thanks for clarifying the case. Jonathan was definitely blind sided.
Wow, Jon handled it well on the show. He didn't freak out or anything. I assume they give psych evaluations to guests these days. It's interesting to hear the entire story.
More than 140 FULL TRIALS, gavel-to-gavel, in the #CourtTVArchive FOR FREE! www.courttv.com/programming/trial-archives/?
They left out the very important fact that the Jenny Jones show had documented before the filming of the show that he DID NOT want to participate if the secret admirer was a male and they LIED to him, told him his case would be fine, and did it anyway. So no justification for we had no idea he might be homophobic and react badly. They had it all written down in their notes.
@@kimanimzalendo367
I would say so.
@@kimanimzalendo367 Oh you god botherers!
His actions were not homophobic! 🙄 he was humiliated by the gay boy and his fat manipulative friend. I hope that Mr Schmitz sued the crap out of Jenny Jones for allowing such a humiliating thing to happen to an unknowing guest...
@@FamilyFirst2813not just humiliated but emasculated as well. The guy went from stalker leaving notes to national TV openly saying what he could would and wanted to do to john. Worst part is the people loved it they found it funny. They basically told john by their reactions he's almost certainly gonna get raped but it ok because hes not a woman hes a man so it's funny not fucked up.
That's weird that this video didn't show that in either the criminal trial or civil trial??????
As a gay person I do not ascribe homophobia to Jon's actions as this documentary is trying to portray. He knew Scott was gay and had no problems with his sexual orientation nor being friends with him before the show(Scott himself & the girl said Jon knew of his sexual orientation!). I do not think he would have minded if Scott had revealed his feelings to him in private either. The only issue was Scott's decision to reveal his feelings and "fantasies" on a show watched by millions AND HE HAD NO SAY IN IT! AND THE CONTINUED PURSUIT EVEN AFTER HE MADE IT CLEAR TO THE WORLD, HE WAS HETEROSEXUAL! The guy was forced to endure stuff on national TV and rejected his advances right then and there yet Scott would not leave him alone! Jon might be insecure & impulsive but not a homophobe i think! Scott paid a heavy price for his decision to use this avenue to reveal what he revealed without consulting Jon and his continued sexual advances after he was rejected(nicely). 1 life ruined and 1 life taken too early for a series of stupid decisions by Scott.
Thank you for having common sense here. HAD this Segment never made to it air, Scott wouldn't have been murdered.
@@Tornado1994 "HAD this Segment never made to it air, Scott wouldn't have been murdered."
It was never aired. The murder happened before that. You're not very bright are you??
@@tywinlannister.7473 It WAS Aired. It Aired as a Segment on March 7,1995. The Murder Occurred 2 Days after it aired.
@@tywinlannister.7473it was aired, you absolute dumb f_cking prick
Very well said!!
I think if Scott had just left it alone afterwards, he may still be alive. Jonathan was already upset, but the vile notes and flashing lights gifts on his door became a stalker at that point, and unnecessary.
yeah, scott was a total nut honestly. should not have been killed of course! but he was a creep. it is what it is
@@timeouthumanity2067 Exactly that's nutty.
The victim did have a part to play in his death. He was sexually harassing a man that already told him he wasn’t interested & only wanted to be friends.
That doesn’t justify murdering someone though.
Peek victim blaming. The got drinks the night afterwords and had sex, stop lying, get help cunt
Exactly!
agree 💯
@@bobbysfacts1981 I have no sympathy for Scott either.
Se puede decir asi cuando lo estas viendo desde la comodidad del hogar. Y no es a ti que te toca. No justifico la muerte. Del joven pero cuando sufres algo asi y no te gusta. La sangre se sube a tu cabeza y pierdes el control. Es dificil de manejar.
I'm gay and I think what they did to Jon was absolutely cruel
Thank you for saying so.
Me too. These two including the man that was killed were used for ratings. These r real people and it’s so unfair to do this to anyone and everyone is laughing at them, but if the show had phoned me I would say no way am I going on that trashy show but I can also see that the killer was hoping it was his ex gf ? Rip to the poor victim and his family. I have had females ask me out and I politely say no thanks I am interested in only men . But thanks Iam flattered and then we move on, but on tv where everyone is watching is not good I wouldn’t like that at all
I'm not gay but this is exactly how we justify violence against women. If he wasn't so wretchedly homophobic he wouldn't have been humiliated. He was destroyed and driven to murder by his own hate. Stop victim blaming John was not a victim his whole family is homophobic trash
🙌🏼
Jon and all "straight" men need to lighten up and take the compliment, decline the offer and move on as they would if a woman they weren't attracted to did the same thing. If you're secure in your sexuality that's what you WOULD do. Jon obviously wasn't. He acted RIDICULOUS.
The way the LGBTQ advocate is brushing off the fact that Scott was continously and explicitly sexually harassing a man on national TV is disgusting
Meh
welcome to a womans world... I Might go Murder...
@@kittencatlover156 First of all: don't kid yourself. Secondly, I never advocated for what he chose to do. Acting like it was completely unprovoked is not only naive, but frankly, unhinged.
I remember a few years ago, being groped unprovoked by a female coworker whom is a lesbian. All I could do is just politely decline her advances even tho I wanted to knock her flat on her face.
@@NotLikeUs17 Disgusting. I'm so sorry that happened to you. Nowadays I think it's even more common for gay people to be luid and make unwanted remarks because we became a little bit of a "protected class". It shouldnt be that way. Sexual harassment is sexual harassment, always.
The man was not a homophobic. How could he be a homophobic if he was good friends with a man who was openly gay? It’s not fair that gay people think that they can just push their agendas on other people it’s cruel and it’s wrong
You can be a bigot and still be friends with someone of that marginalized group. If the idea of a gay man being into you is that humiliating and scary to you, that is homophobic. Murdering someone because of it is homophobic. One of the most dangerous things a gay man could do is accidentally come on to a straight man, even if the gay man can take rejection, straight men don't just say "no", they have to get violent.
He may have been humiliated, but that isn’t a license to kill some. He went to the guy’s house to kill him. He could’ve gone to his house to break up the friendship and told him to never contact him again.
Scott kept continuing to sexually harassing Jon after the show and Jon just had enough
The guy could have told him he had a crush off camera but didn't he got what he got! I don't blame him either.
@@ryuguionu9538 eh ? You think that having a crush on someone is punishable by death ?
@@bunnygaffney2765So go and kill? Are you serious?? Have you not heard of ways to handle your emotions???
@@leanie5234 Jon repeatedly told Scott that he wasn't interested, but Scott kept attempting to hit on Jon. It doesn't excuse what Jon did, but it's a reminder that people should know when to take a hint. And BTW, in the 90's many straight men were highly sensitive to anything that threatened their sexual identity which Scott should've taken into account.
The gay guy kept harassing Jonathan afterwards. That’s why Jonathan killed him. It wasn’t because of him being humiliated on national television. If Scott would have just backed off after Jonathan said he wasn’t interested, then he would still be alive today.
Yeah that never ends well
Exactly!
I couldn’t agree more with you. Scott initiated all of this.
Very well said. I couldn't remember but it seems like Scott wouldn't leave him alone after the fact. Shame on Jenny Jones!!!!
@biggiesmalls112
Yes because blaming the victim is always a good idea. Glad to see you're supporting and empathizing with a homophobic murderer who couldn't take a joke
How is it homophobia when he was friends with this man. It's ovious Jon was extremely embarrassed by what happened.
The Jenny Jones Show was definitely complicit in this murder. It was the catalyst for the whole thing happening.
I don't think so. He was told it could be a man or a woman.
None could have forseen that. And apparently nobody did?
@@sweetiepie3359 they knew it wasn’t a women and if it was a guy Scott wasn’t interested on being in the show. Since he made it clear Jon shouldn’t have been in the show!
@@Mochahontas091 The producers of the show claimed that they did tell Schmitz that the admirer could be male or female.even though they knew it was a male.
@@sweetiepie3359 start at the 8:50 mark. They did tell him, however, they knew for sure it was man so they shouldn’t have said it could be male or female
This was 100% preventable.
Johnathan should’ve just hired a lawyer and sued the show and gotten an restraining order against Scott
All this boils down to Scott KNEW Jonathan wasn’t gay. If he thought he was gay, they’ve been alone together! He could’ve initiated something then! But chose to take a man that he knows isn’t gay on national tv to profess his feelings.
And? That's not a license to kill someone. Lol
It's not like he had no idea. The show told him it could be a man or a woman. He decided to go on the show ANYWAY.
@@snoopyco07 You would have probably done the SAME thing. Plus, I guess its ok to HARRASS Somebody to you?
Imagine being a gay woman with a female partner. A woman has a crush on you and takes you to JJ. You're not interested, because you're involved, yet this woman keeps hitting on you. She leaves Creepy notes and stalks you. You wouldn't like it!! Who would? How about a man not leaving a woman alone?? Stop excusing him because he was gay. He was wrong. Murder happened. Jenny Jones should never be on TV again...not even a cooking show@@@!
@@Tornado1994 yep
@@_west33... That's right. Its shocking how many here are ignoring that fact about Scott.
I think trying to "take out" your friend on national tv is not nice. Just because you are fine with your sexuality doesn't mean others have to. I understand how he felt, used and making fun off, and maybe he was worried about what his family think of him. Off course that don't justify murder, is a crazy and tragic story.
I feel like people should be acceptable of their sexual preferences but I feel like they should also be respectful of others sexual preferences as well.
I agree with this. God rest his soul, but Scott started this whole controversy. If he wanted to express his affection he could have done it in private. Ofcourse that does not excuse murder, but it should bared some weight in the trial.
@@NotLikeUs17 they don't think that! the respect is just for them... they don't have respect for others...
@@ClaudiaGonzales13 have you ever considered that gay people just don't have respect for you in particular, because you have no respect for us and most of us tend to believe that respect is earned?
with all due respect, I think that a lot of people need to learn that in almost every murder or assault there is a little thing that you can pick out that the victim "did wrong" or did "to deserve it" etc. I don't see very many comments on cases where straight people murder each other like "she shouldn't have cheated ... doesn't justify murder but she shouldn't have cheated", and yet SO many people have a mindset to pick out something that's arguably less immoral than cheating that the victim did in a situation where a straight person murders someone who is gay or trans. I think you should examine why you think like that, if you do
The female mutual friend should be ashamed. She knew Jon was straight and she still put him on national tv to be humiliated not because Scott was gay but because his tactics were aggressive and forcible. Scott didn’t say I’d like to go to dinner and have a glass of wine and a walk in the park, he said I want to suspend him on a hammock and cover him with dessert toppings. That’s not ok, straight or gay. It’s offensive.
@@jessicamccrady5210 the problem was that Scott was half drunk when he went on stage. That was common back then to make the show more sensational. I seriously doubt Scott wouldn’t have said half of those things he said on the show (after being coached by Jenny Jones mind you).
This was the cause for shows like this being ended, what happened around these two men was sad, and horrible and never should have taken place.
@ I agree. But it also sounds like Scott was aggressive outside of the show as well.
It's really sad because it's been nearly three decades when this tragedy happened. I know afterwards a lot of talk shows cleaned up their acts but unfortunately it lasted for a short time. And even after Jonathan serves 17 years imprisoned he was released and he never apologized to Scott's family
I remember this entire case. I hold the trash tv show completely responsible. They had no clue nor care of how any of these people would react to being ambushed for ratings. Then, that the victim kept writing notes to his crush would just make it worse. Stop blaming homophobia and hold the real perpetrators responsible.
The real perpetrator is Jon. Jon is a complete idiot.
I blame the guy who died. He shouldn't have called the show. He could have told that man at home instead of on national television. Crazy. Doesn't make it right for him to kill him, but the consequences of his actions got him killed.
YES, I AGREE, THEY SHOULD'VE PUT THIS SCENARIO TO HIM TO SEE HOW HE WOULD FEEL ABOUT SOMEONE OF THE SAME SEX HAVING A CRUSH ON HIM.
JUST LISTENING TO THE AUDIENCES REACTION WHEN SHE MENTIONS THE SHOW IS REMINISCENT OF JERRY SPRINGER 100%
SHAME ON THE JJ SHOW FOR THINKING THIS WAS ENTERTAINMENT.
@@vitathervil5440 Exactly
Yeah that was pretty messed up.
When the Defense Attorney said "Ladies and gentlemen there was a shooting, but there was no murder, I'm like huh???? That was a dumb statement to start off with. Isn't intentionally/purposely harming someone to the point of death, period...considered murder...that got me.
*defense attorney
I think he was going for an insanity defense. Their was no question that Jon killed Scott. He was trying to say this happened In a fit of rage and wasn't a predimitated murder.
There are SO many lessons to be learned here.
Lesson #1. It’s ok that you may have feelings for someone, same or opposite gender, but KNOW YOUR BOUNDARIES.
Lesson #2. If you feel the need to let someone know about your admiration for them (beyond professional) a National talk show is NOT the place to do that.. as in this case, it should have been done privately.
Lesson #3. No matter the situation (aside from legitimate personal self defense), taking a human life because of your embarrassment, shame of disdain for someone is not excusable. There were so many other ways to handle this. I don’t believe he killed Scott because he was gay, I believe he killed Scott because he was humiliated and was worried about what other people would think of him afterward. Which leads to my last statement….
Lesson #4. WHO CARES what people think about you!!! If you are not gay, then you are not gay, and if you are gay, then you are…. It’s very simple. Worrying about what other people think of you can drive you to do stupid things (as clearly demonstrated in this case). It’s a lose/lose for everybody.
In Conclusion: Always be mindful and respectful of one another and the differences we each have. Mutual respect goes a long way. If you are gay and you have a crush on your straight friend… RESPECT the fact that he/she is not going to be a match and don’t push your feelings…. if you are straight, please don’t think that everyone who is gay “wants” you, or has an underlying motive to be around you or has a disease of some sort to be avoided.
--- RANT ENDS HERE---------
@ gansdavid, you make so much sense thank you for taking the time to peel off the onion in simple terms 👌👌
Lesson #5. You know you’re gay if you watch the Jenny Jones Show.
@@vistalite well… that’s a matter of opinion but… 🤷🏽♂️
Leave people alone. I'm straight.
@@_west33... I agree… everyone should be left alone… No matter what label you have for yourself.
Moral of the story, humiliating someone can be deadly so do not go there!
NO EXCUSE
Humiliation, if you could even call it that, is no excuse nor reason for murder. Ever.
@@It-is-me...Melsie If they hadn't humiliated him on national television, and realized the consequences of what could happen, Scott would still be alive. Jonathan is guilty. But so is Scott and the Jenny Jones show.
The worst thing is fat friend was in on. It
@@jerrycooper7300 Scott is guilty for being a creep, that's not a crime. Schmitz should have got a restraining order against Scott if the notes were really that bad. Murder is still murder, don't shift the blame to Jenny. She's just a greedy pos
Jon clearly said he was heterosexual!!! The fact that Scott wouldn't leave him alone speaks volumes!!!!!
Are you trying to justify murder. Jon was a psychopath
Whether or not that didn't really give Jon the right to kill Scott. If you're justifying murder and being on that lunatics side that makes you it an embarrassment.
@@SandraAlexander-xi5lbScott turned Jon into a murderer by being a perv that wouldn’t stop sexually harassing a man that told him over and over and over he wasn’t gay nor was he interested in a relationship. Nobody deserves to be harassed like that. Scott thought he would continue with his harassment until Jon gave in. What kind of sick fk does that? If this was a man harassing a woman for sex most people wouldn’t have the same opinion.
@@SandraAlexander-xi5lbI think the show made Jon mentally unstable as a result of the stress the show had caused. Scott continuing to hit on Jon and send him creepy notes made things a million times worse. Jon did something stupid but I don’t blame him for reacting the way he did. I’d say this was malicious manslaughter rather murder.
@@cartermorrison7917 No he should not have killed him. The Rest of those people (including “her heiress” Miss jenny. Are Just as Quilty as the poor guy that actually did something to alleviate Some of the humiliation Horror They All put the man through!! That was a bit Beyond “just humiliating” someone (so the Whole World could get a laugh off of him. NONE of hat was fair in any way. Put Yourself in Jon’s place. Any idea what Your reaction would be??? The whole thing is Ridiculous $I can only Hope the right people are held accountable. Everyone involved had a good idea of the outcome. Disgusting the smiling giggling W-re of a “host” got Nothing.. I thought the young man held up extremely Well under pressure like That!!
Homophobia is a very overused word. This guy was humiliated and embarrassed and it made him angry and that's why he went and killed him. He wasn't scared of homosexuals. It's ridiculous how people get these words and start using them. If I was in his situation it would be no different than a girl I wasn't interested in so they had a crush on me. Yes it would be kind of awkward. You don't want to hurt their feelings but you just say not interested. But in this case you would say you know. Thanks for the attention, but I don't swing that way so. But that doesn't mean that you are violently homophobic. Just like arachnophobia. That is an irrational fear of spiders. A phobia is an irrational fear of something.
This definitely wasn’t homophobia.
@@Godzooky I mean I get that there are people out there that are not mentally ok. If a gay guy was hitting on me I would just say look dude, I don't swing that way. And I never will. Bye. No harm done
Meanwhile, this show is "transphobic," saying there's only 2 genders, lol.
@@LilacDaisy2There are only 2 genders. 🤷♂️
@@LilacDaisy2probably because there are only two
I don’t believe Jon was homophobic. He and Scott were friends. What happened was sexual harassment and stalking and Jon intended to stop Scott.
I was watching the clips of the jenny jones show and there were a few comments from people who knew the guy and they said he wouldnt take no for an answer, one guy who worked with him gave a few stories about his attitude and behaviour and how it led to many fights with men who declined his advances.
Thank you for posting this comment! I watched a documentary where they talked about Scott basically sexually harassing Jonathan. Murder is wrong. No question. However, Scott was not as laid back and innocent as many of these shows depict. This whole situation was just messy.
That's really awful.
This is a sad story!! Scott absolutely did not deserve to die but let this be a lesson learned that EVERYBODY AINT PLAYING!! When John expressed that he was heterosexual, Scott should have left him alone instead of sending notes to his home smh
John should've stopped hanging out with him then. He didn't.
You Are Absolutely Right! Scott Should Have Backed Off And Stepped Back And Just Left The Situation Alone And Thought Ok Jonathan Isn't Into Men I Understand But He Didn't He Pursued Him.
Dig THAT! If ever there was a case of " F**k around and find out", well, THIS be IT! Just sayin'... 🌹
If it was a woman who hurt a man over that you would call her a feminazi.
@@Elegant_Sausage No - a person sexually harrassing another should stop sexually harrassing
The motive was sexual harassment not homophobia.
Well more public embarrassment.. And I put the blame on Jenny Jones for this
If Jenny was guilty of inciting the killing, shouldn’t Scott be considered a co-conspirator?
And donna
You knew this man wasn't gay. So why would you take him on national television on a well-known show to let him know that you had feelings for him. You could've told him at home in a smaller setting. That man was humiliated.
Then he needs to relax. He agreed to go on the show. You can’t kill someone because you were embarrassed.
They did it for ratings!
@Darcy Moon were they fully honest with him? NO. All he knew was he had a secret crush. They were being dishonest with him....that man knew he didn't swing that way, but he still brought that man on that show. He shouldn't have done that. He could've told him that at home, and not on television with millions of people watching. Doesn't make it right that he shot him, but that's the consequence of his actions. He messed around and out.
Vita, do you still have a brain to think, cause your off
@@darcymoon2109 , Yes he can and he did, do not confuse cannot with should not.
“It’s one thing to blow someone off, it’s another thing to blow them away.” Well…ok then.
Sounds like she's a pro at sucking diccc
Right 😮
Exactly
That line was trashy af
Yeah!
Jenny Jones's demeanor on the stand was absolutely soulless, diabolical, with a complete lack of remorse or even regret for the fact that a person was dead, with a complete lack of any accountability, and it was so disrespectful to the victim and his family. I'm glad Feiger called her out on her behavior with that smirk on her face the whole time, but it doesn't even look like she had the conscience to give a rip.
Agreed!!!! I’m shocked more people aren’t calling that out! She’s smirking in court in a horrific murder case that happened because of her show!!! She interviewed them!! It’s so diabolical and demonic. It really is.
I laugh when I'm nervous. I got held up at gunpoint and laughed. But gave him the money and lucky for me he left. Jenny knows she embarrassed him. The show was totally at fault. Not for pulling the trigger but the blame is on them for the situation. They are guilty.
The only person guilty is the killer. It wasn’t even that deep 🤦🏽♂️
@stanbily9416 In 2022, it may not be. In 1995, it *was* that deep.
Edit: Of course, there's no excuse for murder.
It obviously tipped him over the edge,with that stupid baying audience.I can imagine how he would feel more agitated,when he left the studio,and people were probably jibing him about it.
The show shouldn’t have done it.Mostly,though,he was guilty of murder.
@@stanbily9416 baby you living in different times...what isn't deep to you may be deep to the next person....do u know when this was? No u don't so hush
I absolutely agree …..these talk show hosts don’t care about these guests just using them for ratings and ratings bring in money …..
Glad court tv was resurrected, This documentary was great I'm surprised it doesn't have more views!💯
💯
Just because you get embarrassed or humiliated does not give you the right to kill. It doesn't matter what drug or emotional problem you have.
Yeah exactly
no sh*t
I mean dude admitted to wanting to rape him on National TV
And there are still ignorant people commenting to the contrary.
True, but let's not pretend that Scott didn't sexually harass Jonathan.
Thanks for bringing this back to life. Stunning
Now imagine the reaction if a man said he wanted to tie a woman up to his hammock. The double standard is quite real.
Exactly!!! Imagine a woman killed a man sexually harassing her like that too - sickening that gay ppl think they can groom vulnerable people!
He continued to pursue him after the show / things escalated! That's why he killed him! No means no! It wasn't just about being tricked! He was humiliated and he wouldn't stop!
Exactly and he’s the one that contacted the show. People are delusional.
Should I call the waaambulance?
Well said. I think its disgusting to be honest, im not homophobic but all these people are grown adults who knew better. Sure he didnt deserve to die but humiliating, forcing your sexuality in the face of others is wrong. I have no sympathy.
They had sex afterwords. Tf are you talking about
@@lisa81. well said
I’m not saying it’s justifiable, but many gay people don’t respect boundaries. I once worked at this company and there was a gay girl that liked me, she would tell me all the time, not only I had a boyfriend but I’m straight and she knew it, she would caress my hands, and my back I was really uncomfortable and one day I was getting my stuff from the lower locker and I was on my knees and she came behind me, said “merry Christmas” and kissed me. I even fell backwards. I was too embarrassed to say anything to anybody or to tell HR, my reaction was silence, but you can’t predict people’s reactions if you cross their boundaries. Respect should be both ways.
Disgusting. You should get avo
I don't get why he thought that people would think he is gay? I've seen the entire segment and I wouldn't have walked away thinking that.
Did you forget what year this took place in?
@@Tornado1994 no and I was thinking of then when I wrote that.
@@TheIndependentLens This happened in 1995. LGBTQ itself was NOT openly accepted by most of society at the time. Also, He was Humiliated on National TV. Chastised by his Father,Family,Friends and Coworkers.
And finally, Scott begin Sexual Harassing Jon.
Scott humiliates Jon on national TV then instead of leaving it alone as he got his answer. Scot decided to harass and stalk Jon. Moral of the story take no for an answer because some people won't put up with that crap
Why is she on the witness stand SMILING.
In 1995 homophobia was rampant. Of course there’s no excuse for killing anyone but I think the talk show bears so much responsibility for this crime. RIP Scott.
"homophobia"
1. Scott betrayed his friend John Schmitz
2. Scott embarassed his friend on NATIONAL TELEVISION.
These 2 things alone cause murder by themselves, let alone combined.
Then add the fact that a guy hangs out with another and all of a sudden every action has to be viewed in the light of this man is sexually harassing him.
If Schmitz was a woman, then shooting a man would have the entire Me Too movement backing him up.
In 1995 sexual harassment was rampant. 👌
@@slamfreepoetry1845 Sure bud.
It was a distasteful show but the only one that chose to murder because he was so homophobic was Jonathan. He bought the gun and the bullets and went to Scott's house to kill him. He knew what he was doing. He thought being a murderer was better than people knowing his gay neighbor had a crush on him?! Ridiculous.
@@marniekilbourne608 Misconstruing what was done to the guy is not going to excuse sexual harassment and destruction of a man's reputation.
You should think about doing possible harm before you selfishly ruin another human's life.
The gay is dead because he didnt care.
It was taped FEBRUARY 22,1995, NOT MARCH. It AIRED Two Weeks later on March 7,1995 and the Murder occurred on March 9th.
it was taped march 6th, murder happened 3 days later.. it didn't air. court tv aired it years later.
@@timeouthumanity2067 It was taped in February. Back in the mid 90s, Talk Show Segments were taped Weeks in advance.
@@timeouthumanity2067 This episode aired in the 90's. I actually watched this episode when it aired back then. For some reason, it's become a hot topic decades later.
@@vivecasanders8298it did not air. Wikipedia and Jenny Jones both said the show was “shelved” and never aired. It’s taped and then the murder happened before the show was to be aired.
This is why shows like that aren't on television today. They knew it was exploration. They knew what they were doing was going to cause harm to people.
Exploitation.
@@litgal783💯
It is a tough situation when love or infatuation is one-sided. So sad.
Who cares about love or infatuation if people are so thirsty and disgusting to make television ( money) that they will exploit race or sexuality to accomplish their goal
@@alexprovence9379 You do not need a television to exhibit, extort or expose human nature. Television programs, like sex and love, take it or leave it. What other people do to excite their lives has no baring on your life or happiness at all.
@@gdeec didn’t both Jonathon and Scott agree to do the show though? One of them just didn’t like the outcome?
@@littlevegan8700 Humiliation, especially in public, to surprise and failure will produce very different emotions, and as many of these true crime shows enable us to see that we will never understand human emotions. I was bullied for 12 years and I never paid back in a similar fashion. Humans are different.
@@gdeec I just don’t get how embarrassment can lead to murder. Unless it wasn’t embarrassment but denial of his own gay feelings.
The attorney for Scott's family stood to make 1/2 of the $25 million judgment; that was the source of his passion and righteous rage. The shows ARE sleezy, but the attorneys are just as sleezy.
Yep. Good point.
The judgment was overturned by the Michigan courts. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal.
Sleazy is exactly the right word for these shows.
Are you sure it was half? Most take 33%, or they could have hired a lawyer for 33%, at least.
Damn when she racked that shot gun twice at closing brought chills to my arms!
So even after Jonathan told Scott he was straight, he kept sexually harassing him? Nah I'm sorry this is all on Scott. I know we are not supposed to victim blame but did he think he could turn Jonathan gay if he kept sending him unsolicited gifts and unwanted attention? He should've taken a damn hint when Jonathan said "I'm heterosexual". They literally ambushed him on national TV, that's enough to send some people over the edge. What a mess!
It's absolutely sick how people try to bully a person then wonder why they get killed by that person ?!?? Free that guy out of prison
Agree
I agree with you 100%. If he would've taken No for an answer and not harass him after the show. The jerk would still be alive. I don't feel sorry for him one bit.
He was released in 2017.
The family was quick to get an attorney to win some money from the show. When in fact, it was their own son and the other girl who cantacted the show first. The Jenny Jones show didnt put a gun to their heads ao they would go on the show. Its ridiculous !! Scott kept on harassing jon after the show...
Normally, I sympathize with gay people, but he gets his friend on Jenny Jones show with an audience of millions, knows that his friend has been lied to, and goes on with it anyway. He's lucky Jonathan didn't beat the stuffing out of him on national TV. No one knows how they'll react to a situation unless they're in it. We've all been humiliated, and angered by it, but how many of us have been in that situation where millions witnessed it?
We’re forgetting that this occurred in 1995. It was still lawful in ‘95 to discriminate against gay people denying them the 5th amendment. They were called “special rights”.
Most gay people wouldn’t be out loud and proud in 1995, especially not outside of the big cities.
It’s clear Amadore enjoyed the humiliation aspect, having total power & control. These guys are known in the community as straight-chasers. It gives them an incredible feeling of being desired, having control, to delude themselves into believing that they can turn a man gay; just like the men who believe their dick is magic enough to turn a lesbian straight.
Murder isn’t ever excusable. But the victim wasn’t an angel either, although Johns actions can’t be justified.
Nobody won here.
I honestly reckon Jonathon had gay feelings and felt outed. Women are hit on and pestered by men all the time and you don’t see them going around shooting people who make advances on them. If the show had been a woman he wouldn’t have been embarrassed which just goes to show he had internalised homophobia and more than likely had gay tendencies himself to commit such a crime
@@littlevegan8700 No.
and how offten does one hear the cases of what you said. "dick is magic enough to turn a lesbian straight."
I don’t agree with killing but you can’t embarrass people like this
It makes no sense that they keep saying he was gay and had something with Scott, if that was the case they wouldn’t have been on the show in the first place.
And it would have been concrete evidence but it wasn't
Remember when this happened. Not far from my house! Guy shouldn't of brought him on TV like that!! Guy got himself killed. Easy to find out if he is gay or not!
you are sick
Taking Jon on TV to say he has a crush was not a good move at all especially knowing he is heterosexual. Murder however is never ok unless its self defense so this was messed up.
This is self defence -his mental state - they would have rped him
"The show wasn't doing it to be mean but to make money" ??! Yeah....MONEY BY ANY MEANS! No, money isn't the root of all evil.... mans greed is
It’s actually the LOVE of money is the root of all evil
They called the show the show didn't call them
There's a lot more to evil than just money. Hard, jealousy, fear and many more emotions. Oversimplification of evil and hate.
They made a mockery of this man, and I personally have experience when you tell a gay person no, they continue
Fake news
So horrible how these evil people embarrassed this young kid on national television! I don’t blame the guy for what he did. I am straight too and I would be embarrassed by the same kind of thing so would a lot of other people.
Would you blast someone to pieces over something like this? More importantly, would you be so dumb and even appear on a show like "Jenny Jones"? *smh* He should have known better in so many ways.
Happens on Jerry Springer quite often. By him killing more ppl know about it. Now adays its everywhere. Well Budda left him alone in prison?
My thoughts exactly.
You would kill someone because you were *embarrassed*? Get a grip, dude.
Im call BS. You are not gay
Who the F ever thought that was a good idea for a TV show?
Lethal homophobia? How about nationwide public embarrassment?
Let's be real. We all have limitations. Something like this on NATIONAL TELEVISION, CAN'T NEVER BE EASILY FORGOTTEN. RIP SCOT. HOPE THERE IS A LESSON LEARNED HERE
As ugly as this sounds, I agree with yu... Especially back then. Being gay wasn't the best thing in the world to be doing, or wanting people to kno you're doing " IT "... RIP Scott 🕊️🙏🏼
But if you sound stupid I’m not gay and if I was it shouldn’t matter. If he hated straight people he would’ve done the same and got life. So life in 1st degree is what he deserved! So sick how being different left Scott with half justice!
@@LoveMyDaisyGirl911 Jenny Jones Show is 100% Responsible and Liable for Scott's Death. Had they NOT aired this Segment like they had PROMISED Jon they wouldn't, he wouldn't have snapped and killed Scott.
9:45 "A little white lie". It's deplorable to downplay TRAPPING someone into a humiliating situation. Own it. What they did to him was disgusting.
That shows what kind of people go into law
You can’t kill someone just because you were embarrassed. He went on national television, knowing someone had a crush on him, and that it could’ve been a man or a woman. If you’re that sensitive then don’t go on television for somebody might reveal a crush you. Are these shows exploitative? Certainly. But you can’t just kill someone because you don’t like them, or because they embarrassed you, or cuz you r afraid people are gonna think you’re gay. The circumstances here were unfortunate, but they do not justify his actions whatsoever.
on repeatedly told Scott that he wasn't interested, but Scott kept attempting to hit on Jon. It doesn't excuse what Jon did, but it's a reminder that people should know when to take a hint. And BTW, in the 90's many straight men were highly sensitive to anything that threatened their sexual identity which Scott should've taken into account.
@@gamarrathcarlos8753 as a female I’ve been hit on INCESSANTLY throughout my life by many men who couldn’t “get the hint”. Ive been grabbed, touched, hollered at, catcalled. Ive tried telling them to stop, tried ignoring them, tried sticking up for myself. At times it’s been scary and made me feel unsafe. Most of them were disgusting creeps who made my skin crawl. I’ve never killed one of those men.
What they left out of this documentary is that the show producers documented that he told them before the show that he would only participate if the crush was a woman. They outright lied to him and said it would be fine. That still doesn't give him the right to murder but the show KNEW he was homophobic because he told them so, they KNEW he didn't want to be filmed with a guy and that he wouldn't consent to participate if that was the plan, and they LIED and did it anyway.
@@pikalinderman3207 please. Nowadays someone you’re dating can be transgender and not even tell you. Can you shoot them too ?
They told him it was a woman though.
I think the word “homophobia” is ridiculous, ive never seen anyone so scared of a gay person that they can’t function.. because that’s what a phobia is.. if someone just doesn’t like a gay person because of whatever reason that’s just being prejudice and on the extreme level, it’s hate but it’s not a phobia. And I absolutely don’t think he had a phobia, I believe he was upset because they brought him on national tv and embarrassed him. We don’t know how many men approached him after that show.
I think it’s more hatred than phobia.
Yes, his pride was stolen.
The victim harassed him
Scott had a borderline fatal attraction and Johnathan just got tired of it. But it doesn’t justify him killing Scott just don’t be his friend and get a restraining order and that’s it. 😒😢🥺🤨
No excuse for the murder of this man. Humiliated? Yes. Feeling stalked and harassed? Yes. There were other ways to handle it than this 😢
Yes. Murder is wrong. But I bet if it was a heterosexual man or woman being shot at fir stalking and harassment you wouldn’t have any pity. But since he was gay you people let them pass.
@@HopefulInterventions are you serious? Who are you referring to, as "you people"? I don't condone murder, period.
@@pjlee562 I agree that murdering him was obviously wrong but given everything leading up to it I can see how an extreme emotional disturbance (legal term) would be created that would mitigate the sentence to more like a decade. Obviously, he should have just gotten a court order of protection and not destroyed a man's life. Jenny Jones was irresponsible.
Agreed
@@HopefulInterventions Who is harassing whom? Jonathan goes to the apartment of his victim, rings the bell & shoot's him point blank.
He wasn't homophobic. He was straight.
Its true, we were friends in prison, people definitely pestered him for his notoriety , but ultimately he stood his ground on being straight . Plenty of homosexual people in prison, but he wasn't one of them . Besides for his bad choice, he really wasn't a bad guy....
@@MilePool1 I feel bad for him.
There are 2 victims...Jonathan and Scott. Jenny Jones should be held accountable for as well as Scott. And...Scott should have never gone on national television with his secret crush without counting the cost. This is NOT a homophobia situation...even though using "homophobia" is the new trend these days.
There is no homophobia.
That's BS, I watch that show and if you watch that show you saw that he was not happy with that reveal. I remember watching it with my girlfriend at the time and I told her, that he might whip that dude's ass, but he ended up killing.
Right! This is such propaganda 🙄
Yes, I saw it too, thinking though that he would do something violent. This whole show was based on cruelty for entertainment purposes and JJ should have been charged too! Geraldo, that’s another jerk off who has caused violence for ratings and entertainment. 😳🤬
@@robinmiller5256 The show never aired. You guys must be remembering different episodes.
The show never aired dude
@@kittencatlover156 Lol, kitty-Cat it sure did....!!
Man this was such bullshit humiliating a straight man an national tv. He should have just walked out ~
It was exactly an embarrassing ambush!!
As a nursing student. I have seen people in the psych unit with major depressive and bipolar disorder. And trust me it’s super scary. Some of these people weren’t on meds or have never done any drugs. I hate how that lazy did not take the being mentally ill isn’t serious. She was like yeah whatever.
I have major depressive and bipolar and murder has never crossed my mind. I was abused at home and bullied in school mercilessly. I never once thought the way to handle it was with extreme violence.
His behavior WAS NOT justified.
And if I ever did kill, my mental illness is NOT an excuse. Omg.
I get being annoyed, but you sound like you are giving him and people like me a pass to kill. Not ok, nursing student. Happy for your empathy, sad for your ignorance.
And I do think what they did to Jon on t.v. was wrong. But this is alllllllllll Jon's damn fault.
@@Elegant_Sausage I never said it was an excuse. I got annoyed with the lady that it was brushed off like it didn’t matter. Like mental illness doesn’t matter.
Meds make the illness worse. You still believe the mental illness lie? There is no blood test or any test to prove it because there's no such thing. The only chemical imbalance is the ones the drugs create. Depression could be caused by heavy metals, thyroid disorders, lyme disease, mold, gut imbalance, food allergies, parasites and so much more. Heal the body then you won't be depressed. You can't eat McDonald's everyday and expect to be mentally well.
You are hardly experienced in Mental Illness nor Forensic Mental Illness.
Do not pursue nursing. Lots of scary things.
Sad for Scott and his family
The prosecutor in the second trial is ABSOLUTELY RIGHT.
The defendant was "ambushed ....for ratings" for a tv show. Surprises can have deadly consequences. Defendant guilty of murder of a young man who "simply had a crush on a friend"......so sad he lost his life. Jon just couldn't handle his embarrassment and he had to pay for killing a man. The show destroyed two men. This man inferring the two had an intimate time after the show is just wrong. This man has no facts as to what happened after the show.
Downvoted.
As a ex lesbian activist, I'm truly baffled of what's LGBTQ are presentiously requested. I never thought in my vocabulary that one day, I will witness those types of not funny approaches, that cause the provocative being lost his life. Why stalking a straight man, when u know he's a straight man? What I'm witnessing today in the world is beyond imagination. All I wanted is some security to be respected, at work, get my partner to be able to get my pension, remain in the house/apartment in case of death,I'm not into marriage, cause it's shouldn't be. But now especially in the state, it had get out of proportion 😮😮😮😮
Great comment, thank you!
@@timeouthumanity2067 I can't comprehend jt
Homophobia was what Jenny was exploiting
Why was the fact Scott put a note on Johnathon’s door just 3 days after the show not discussed here? Also, the show lied to him when he asked if it was a man.
Of course, like everything else, this episode is trying desperately to fit a particular narrative. Doesn’t work. Most of us were alive and remember how it all went down.
And Jenny Jones smirking in court is repulsive.
This was such a great story - nothing like it since. Jenny Jones should have definitely been held liable for setting up this disaster. Anything for ratings.
Nah that was a reach
@@gavinbrando8255 What was a reach, holding Jenny Jones responsible? Lol. Of course she's responsible - whose name is on the title of the show and who approves all the topics covered on the show? She knew exactly what she was doing. Ratings.
especially when they lied to him - he told them if the secret admirer was a man he wasn’t interested, so the staff told him the admirer was a woman - They absolutely hold some liability
especially when they lied to him - he told them if the secret admirer was a man he wasn’t interested, so the staff told him the admirer was a woman - They absolutely hold some liability
Jenny Jones, was held liable because it ended her show and her career.
Scott was playing a very dangerous game of Russian Roulette. He had no idea how Jon was going to react after being humilated, antagonized and in the end, he only has himself to blame for his own demise. Murder is never okay, but this is why you don't mess with a man's boundaries.
@@TheMiller037 That doesn’t mean he deserves to die. The things one reads online 🤦♂️
@@brentmoren3160 Did I say he deserved to die? I'm simply pointing it out that he had a hand in his own fate. Why do you think we're always told to leave a person alone? So, we don't get ourselves involved where it could lead to a tragic ending.
LEAVE PEOPLE ALONE!
It's not homophobia. He felt humiliated. Nothing justifies what he did. It was wrong the way they did it
You can't trust that a straight man is going to act appropriately in these situations. In my line of work I learned very quickly that the world is full of men who can't control their anger. They were playing with fire!
He controlled his anger just fine until he was continuously pursued after he said no. Scott seems to be the one who couldn’t control himself. “No! Means no.
It was NOT HOMOPHOBIA
It's been said that Schmitz was blindsided by the revelation but if I was told that my crush could be a woman or man, that's enough for me to say no thanks. I can understand the embarrassment but the Jenny Jones Show should have had some culpability in this terrible tragedy...
They lied to him.
When the show called him & said his crush might be a man or woman. John Schmidt refused to be on it. To get him to agree to come on, the producer reassured him his secret crush was definitely a woman.
This testimony was in the civil trial.
@@kleeamd8274
That is truly disgusting.
Jenny Jones is disgusting.
And the gay victim then stalked him with lewd messages.
That's disgusting.
Sent the straight guy over the edge.
The humiliation distilled inside him.
It became a matter of honour for him.
In days gone by he would have challenged the gay guy to a duel.
Thanks for clarifying the case.
Jonathan was definitely blind sided.
He stated that he didn’t want to go on if he was a man but they lied to him
@@destinygraham2230 yeah.......i already said that
@@kleeamd8274 They didn't thats misinformation, they literally didnt tell him who it was the entire time. This is DANGEROUS disinformation
Wow, Jon handled it well on the show. He didn't freak out or anything. I assume they give psych evaluations to guests these days. It's interesting to hear the entire story.
These days you don't get many shows this extreme.
Our judicial system does not treat everyone the same
This is a cultural education. In 1995, homophobia was rife. In light of today's morays, it's really interesting to see this. And, Feiger is savage.
She egged this on. she's guilty as well
Donna and Scott are just as much at fault as Jenny Jones was.
He ironically looks like George Michael.
I get tired of guys not taking no for an answer.
I love when a lawyer accuses someone of putting the almighty dollar first. Weird.
I think the show had 75% responsibility
As soon as the jury held WB and the Jenny Jones show liable for $25 million, Jon's sentence should have been lowered.
Scott should have told Jonathon that he was interested in him.Why make it a public display,he knew his friend was straight.