'Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare' exposes the dark side of an online romance

Kirat Assi, who was catfished for almost a decade, features in the new documentary. Picture: X.

Kirat Assi, who was catfished for almost a decade, features in the new documentary. Picture: X.

Published Oct 7, 2024

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From Raw, the production house which brought viewers “The Tinder Swindler”, comes the new Netflix documentary, “Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare”.

The true crime series chronicles the harrowing nine-year ordeal of Kirat Assi, who fell victim to one of the most complex catfishing schemes ever documented.

It unravels a web of deception that began on social media and evolved into a life-altering nightmare, serving as a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking in online relationships.

Netflix added that Assi believed she had forged a lasting connection with a man named Bobby, whom she met on social media.

But the Londoner’s life changed forever when she discovered that the relationship was built on a massive lie.

The synopsis reads: “After an online friendship blossoms into true love, Kirat finds herself turning detective to uncover the truth behind her mysterious fiancé, Bobby. Inspired by the hit podcast, ‘Sweet Bobby’ is the story of a fairytale romance gone wrong.”

The streaming platform added that she first connected with “Bobby” on Facebook, thinking they had mutual friends through London's Sikh community.

“Over nine years, a friendship formed and deepened, eventually evolving into a romantic relationship.”

The relationship then turned sinister, with Kirat even having to take time off from work due to stress when she discovered that while the profile was based on a real man, it was not him talking to her.

“The documentary lets viewers see and hear exactly what Assi went through, with photos, screenshots and exclusive interviews with Assi herself as well as those who watched the doomed relationship unfold in real-time,” the streaming platform added.

“The Sweet Bobby” is believed to be one of the longest-running and most complex cases of catfishing to date. It also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online dating.

It is directed by Lyttanya Shannon who also helmed “Subnormal: A British Scandal” and is executive produced by Rebecca North, who worked on “American Nightmare”.

“Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare” premieres on Netflix on October 16.

Watch the trailer here: