Making a Murderer: Steven Avery banned from watching documentary in jail

Filmmakers Moira Demos and Laura Riccardi confirm Avery’s ‘request was denied’

Steven Avery, the subject of the new Netflix documentary

Steven Avery, the focus of Netflix’s hit Making a Murderer series, has been banned from watching the series of his own case while in prison.

Speaking at a Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena, filmmakers Moira Demos and Laura Riccardi confirmed his “request was denied”.

During the half-hour panel organised by Netflix, Ms Riccardi said: “Steven does not have access to the series… His request was denied.”

According to entertainment news site Decider, the filmmakers revealed they have had several conversations with Avery since the premiere of Making a Murderer, and may use the recordings for future episodes.

“This story is ongoing,” said Ms Demos.

“These cases are open. We are ready to follow these if there are significant developments.”

They also discussed an interview with Avery's former partner, Jodi Stachowski’s, by US TV channel HL - in which she said she believes Avery is guilty.

She had previously featured in the Making a Murderer series, when she strongly supported Avery and claimed he had been a framed.

But in the emotional new interview, Ms Stachowski claimed Avery threatened to take her life, and that he was a “monster”.

Decider quoted one of the filmmakers as saying: “I can’t say why Jodi is saying what she’s saying today but nine years ago what she was saying was an accurate portrayal.”

Ms Demos and Ms Riccardi also responded to scepticism about the series.

“We don’t consider this advocacy journalism,” said Ms Demos. “It’s a social justice documentary.

“[Steven] Avery’s case offers a window into the system.”

“We are trying to urge people to think more deeply about what the series is about… and making sure our justice system is delivering verdicts we can rely on."