The Gay Panic Defense with Beyond the Rainbow Podcast
The Jenny Jones Tragedy: The Scott Amedure Case
Introduction
In 1995, daytime talk shows were a television staple, consisting of sensational topics and shocking reveals. But one episode of "The Jenny Jones Show" escalated from a shocking on-screen confession to a real-life tragedy. Scott Amedure's decision to publicly confess his feelings for his friend, Jonathan Schmitz, on the show led to consequences no one could have foreseen.
Scott Amedure
Born on January 26th, 1963, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Scott Amedure grew up in Lake Orion, Michigan. A handyman and bartender by trade, he also served in the Army, where he came out as gay. His family was supportive, and Scott was particularly close to his brother, Frank.
Jonathan Schmitz
Jonathan Schmitz who was 24 at the time, worked at a local restaurant named Fox and Hounds. He met Scott through a mutual friend, Donna, who lived in the same apartment complex as one of Scott’s brothers.
The Ill-fated Episode on The Jenny Jones Show
"The Jenny Jones Show," initially aspiring to emulate Oprah's success, took a different turn to gain viewership. By 1993, the show had adopted a more confrontational format, including secret crush reveals.
Scott, a fan of the show, agreed to be a guest in the "Same-Sex Secret Crushes" episode. What Scott didn't know was that Jonathan had been led to believe his secret admirer could be a woman. During the episode, Scott nervously confessed his romantic feelings for Jonathan, leaving him visibly stunned. The audience, ignorant of the looming tragedy, erupted into applause.
A Turn for the Worse: The Aftermath
While the taping itself was uncomfortable for both parties, there seemed to be no immediate sign of grave danger. All parties flew home together, even sharing drinks at a bar called Brewski's. However, three days later, Jonathan found a note from Scott that made a joking reference to a broken construction light. Consumed by humiliation and rage, Jonathan purchased a shotgun. He went to Scott's home and, following a heated confrontation, shot and killed him.
The Trial and Legal Ramifications
Jonathan Schmitz was later tried for the murder of Scott Amedure. His defense team argued for temporary insanity, blaming the public humiliation on "The Jenny Jones Show" as the catalyst for his actions. Nonetheless, he was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison.
Ethical Questions and Lasting Impact
The tragic end to Scott Amedure's life led to debates surrounding the responsibilities of reality television producers. The Amedure family sued "The Jenny Jones Show," spotlighting the ethical questions raised by the "ambush television" style employed by many shows of that era.
Fred Amedure, Scott's brother, has publicly stated that Jonathan was also a victim, raising more complex questions about culpability and the potentially devastating effects of public humiliation.
Conclusion
Nearly three decades later, the tragic murder of Scott Amedure calls into question the ethics of sensationalist television and serves as a cautionary tale of what can happen when personal boundaries are crossed in the search for ratings.
