Imagine you’re 9 years old, living your best life. You have what feels like the perfect family. You live in the suburbs. You go to dance classes for fun. Everything is… perfect.

And then… BOOM. A horrific crime throws your family into the center of the biggest true crime saga the nation has ever seen. You go from relative anonymity to having dozens of news stations camped out on your front lawn… all while your parents are nowhere to be seen…

Because one is in the hospital, fighting for her life… 

and the other is under suspicion for attempted murder.

This was the life of Jessie Buttafuoco, the daughter of Joey and Mary Jo Buttafuoco… the latter of whom was shot in the face at point blank range by Joey’s underage mistress, Amy Fisher.

Amy would come to be known as “the Long Island Lolita,” and the case would gain global attention. Drew Barrymore and Alyssa Milano would play her in subsequent made-for-TV movies. 

It was all… a lot.

And so much of it focused on the wrong person: the perpetrator.

Jessie’s story is one of taking the narrative back, working to see life through a new lens, and helping the public do the same. 

She’s appeared on Dr. Oz (2018), was featured in a 2-hour ABC 2020 special titled “Growing up Buttafuoco” (2019), and was a featured speaker on behalf of ABC News for CrimeCon House Arrest. In 2021, she appeared on The Doctors, talking about the mental and emotional effects of her childhood experiences.

Today, she is focused on helping to change the narrative around true crime in the media, and the way victims are portrayed, exploited, and often re-victimized. Our conversation on today’s show sheds a new light on her life, her recovery from addiction, and her plans for the future.

Tune in for a major dose of inspo from a bright light who didn’t let the darkness dim her sparkle.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:28] Jessie begins to share her childhood and later, introduces her family’s sinister story. 

[09:28] Jessie dives into how her younger self had always perceived her parents’ relationship. 

[11:01] Jessie recounts the day of her mother’s murder, learning what happened and the emotional turmoil she endured. 

[19:01] Jessie talks about her mother’s miraculous awakening and discovering the perpetrator’s identity and motive. 

[25:25] Jessie shares her initial feelings about her father’s role in her mother’s assault and when her perspective on him changed. 

[30:53] Jessie discusses the exploitative media culture during the 90s and its role in covering her family’s story. 

[35:58] Jessie reveals all that she knew about the perpetrator at the time: The girl’s affair with Jessie’s father, obsession with him, and later, desire to replace her mother. 

[38:56] Jessie talks about her mental breakdown that forced her to process her life and trauma. 

[44:50] Jessie shares her career and personal growth since cutting her father out of her life. 

[45:32] Jessia gives an update on how her mother is doing today. 

[51:18] Jessie discusses the changes she would make in the media industry and brings to light important issues that need to be addressed. 

[54:34] Jessie opens up about her gratitude practices. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[22:38] Jessie talks about when her mother’s trauma became a barometer for gauging her own pain and traumas. 

[40:09] Jessie discusses the decision to distance herself from her father after realizing that he was the common denominator of her anxiety, addictions, and other traumas.

[53:31] Jessie explains that exploitative practices in the media are causing psychological damage to the people at the center of the story, urging that these ethical issues be addressed.

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Show Notes:

A big thank you to Jessie Buttafuco for joining the podcast and sharing your inspiring story.

Learn more at https://www.jessiebuttafuoco.com/ and follow Jessie on Instagram: @jessiebuttafuco

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali 

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