Oscar Pistorius: Viewers ‘disgusted’ by new documentary after airing in UK

The BBC is facing a backlash on Monday morning, after they aired a highly controversial documentary on Oscar Pistorious. The four-part feature – titled The Trials of Oscar Pistorius – was slammed for portraying the former Olympian in a positive light, despite the fact he shot and killed his partner at the time, Reeva Steenkamp.

“Where is Reeva?” – Social media reacts to Blade Runner documentary

Many viewers were left outraged by the omission of Steenkamp all together. Others took exception to the ‘sympathy’ that was cast upon the convicted killer. One columnist described the ESPN-produced film as an ‘uncomfortable watch’, with a large number of those who tuned in sharing their disdain on social media:

It's early in to the documentary but im finding this way too sympathetic to Oscar Pistorius. #OscarPistorius

— markgrant (@bigglesgr) November 8, 2020

A totally and utterly bizarre depiction of Oscar Pistorius tonight on the @BBC. Incredibly uncomfortable to watch and pitched as if you were supposed to feel sympathy for a man that murdered Reeva Steenkamp. Baffled at the point of the programme. #OscarPistorius

— Simmons (@awjs1986) November 8, 2020

Disgusting the way Oscar Pistorius has been portrayed as a victim and hero in The Trials of Oscar Pistorius. He killed Reeva in cold blood, and they couldn’t even mention her right at the end.. terrible documentary.

— Mia Munton (@Miacoleburne) November 8, 2020

There’s definitely a documentary to be made about the Oscar Pistorius case but Jesus Christ this isn’t it. Whoever decided to paint him in such sympathetic light needs to have a long look in the mirror. So tone deaf. I won’t be watching anymore

— Shaun Curran (@shaun_curran) November 8, 2020

HOW CAN I WATCH THE TRIALS OF OSCAR PISTORIUS IN SOUTH AFRICA?

The international release date was on Saturday 7 November. Typically, we as South Africans will have to wait a little longer. However, the documentary will be broadcast on ESPN (or DStv channel 218). If you are curious as to what has caused such a fuss, your domestic schedule is as follows:

• Part 1: Thursday 19 November at 20:00.
• Part 2: Thursday 26 November at 20:00.
• Part 3: Thursday 3 December at 20:00.
• Part 4: Thursday 10 December at 20:00.
• Repeats of every episode will be broadcast on each following Sunday, from 20:00.