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'May December' movie on Mary Kay Letourneau 'offended' student lover Vili Fualaau

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'May December' movie on Mary Kay Letourneau 'offended' student lover Vili Fualaau

Vili Fualaau, the now-40-year-old whose illicit relationship and post-conviction marriage to his sixth-grade teacher made international news, said he is “offended” by the hit Netflix movie based on the ’90s scandal.

Although the movie diverges from its real-life counterpart, with the couple meeting in a pet shop rather than a school, “May December” writer Samy Burch cited the Mary Kay Letourneau case as her inspiration for the critically acclaimed 2023 film, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

Letourneau, then 34, was initially sentenced to six months on two counts of second-degree child rape after she became pregnant with then-12-year-old Fualaau’s child. 

GYPSY ROSE TAKES BLANCHARD BECOMES OVERNIGHT INTERNET STAR AFTER PRISON RELEASE

Convicted child rapist Mary Kay Letourneau died of cancer in 2020 when she was 58 years old, leaving behind her then-37-year-old ex-husband, Vili Fualaau, and their two daughters. Georgia, the younger daughter, is expected to deliver a baby boy in the coming months. (Ron Wurzer and Reuters)

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She would give birth to their first child after pleading guilty and awaiting sentencing, then conceive their second while breaking the terms of her post-release supervision after serving a reduced three-month sentence. Letourneau gave birth to their second daughter during her subsequent seven-year prison stint at Washington Corrections Center for Women, and the pair married upon her release in 2004. 

Fualaau, who divorced Letourneau in 2015 and remarried after her death from cancer in 2020, told The Hollywood Reporter that the movie could have been “a masterpiece” – if directors had ever reached out to consult him. 

“I’m still alive and well,” Fualaau told the outlet. “If they had reached out to me, we could have worked together… Instead, they chose to do a ripoff of my original story.” 

Fualaau still lives in the Seattle area, where he and Letourneau settled after their widely publicized nuptials, according to the outlet, and would have gladly collaborated with filmmakers. 

MANHUNT UNDERWAY FOR ‘PERSON OF INTEREST’ IN INDIANA LAWYER’S DISAPPEARANCE AFTER CROSS-COUNTRY TRIP

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Mary Letourneau, then 43, Vili Fualaau, then 22, and their two children are pictured driving along the beach from their home on May 8, 2005, in the Seattle suburb Normandy Park, Washington. (Ron Wurzer/Getty Images)

“I’m offended by the entire project and the lack of respect given to me – who lived through a real story and is still living it,” he added. 

He managed to stay out of the limelight after Letourneau’s death, keeping the identity of his new partner a secret. But last year, his second daughter with the embattled teacher, now 24, announced her pregnancy – which will make Fualaau a grandfather at 40 years old. 

Fualaau stressed that he was not opposed to the concept of a film surrounding his remarkable story. But the portrayal in “May December,” he said, was far more “simple” than his reality. 

“I love movies – good movies… I admire ones that capture the essence and complications of real-life events. You know, movies that allow you to see or realize something new every time you watch them,” he told the outlet. “Those kinds of writers and directors – someone who can do that – would be perfect to work with.” 

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HANDWRITING EXPOSED OBA CHANDLER’S HORRIFIC FLORIDA MURDERS OF WOMAN, DAUGHTERS FOUND FLOATING IN TAMPA BAY

Mary Kay Letourneau and Vili Fualaau pose on April 9, 2005, outside their home in Seattle. Fualaau worked as a DJ and Letourneau as a legal assistant after their marriage, People magazine reported. (Mark Greenberg/AP)

Although Burch has publicly cited Letourneau’s case as the jumping off point, Julianne Moore – who played the movie’s lead based off the infamous sex offender – stressed at a November premiere that the movie was “not the story of Mary Kay Letourneau.” 

But at the same event, according to The Hollywood Reporter, director Todd Haynes said there were “times when it became very, very helpful to get very specific about the research, and we learned things from that relationship.” 

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Fualaau’s story has been co-opted for television before, with the USA Network running “All American Girl: The Mary Kay Letourneau Story.”

Anne Bremner, the Seattle attorney who befriended Letourneau after successfully defending the Des Moines Police Department and the Highline School District against a lawsuit brought by Fualaau’s family in 2002, told Fox News Digital that “May December” captured the nuance of the couple’s relationship well before Fualaau spoke out against the adaptation: 

“Watching that movie, I thought it did well, about the dynamics and the angst Vili and Mary felt about this,” she told Fox News Digital last month. “They had some things in there that were straight out of my case – the pink lipstick, the blush, that [Fualaau is] the seducer. [Fualaau] is so well played by Charles Milton, some people say he should get an Oscar. He’s a child raising children.”

The subject of who was the “pursuer” in the inappropriate school romance was broached repeatedly as the couple’s relationship was dissected in court, Bremner recalled. 

In a 2018 interview on Channel Seven’s “Sunday Night in Australia,” taped months before the couple’s legal separation, host Matt Doran repeatedly asked Fualaau “who [was] the boss” in the couple’s initial romance.

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The interview was used as inspiration for one of the film’s most harrowing scenes, in which the character played by Moore repeatedly asks Melton’s, “Who was the boss? Who was in charge?” 

Later, Melton’s character confronts Moore’s about who really was responsible for their relationship beginning.

Netflix, Burch, Moore, Haynes and Fualaau could not immediately be reached for comment.

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Denver, CO

Where to Celebrate the 4th of July in Denver This Weekend – 303 Magazine

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Where to Celebrate the 4th of July in Denver This Weekend – 303 Magazine


The Fourth of July weekend is one of the biggest celebrations of the summer, and Denver is delivering a packed lineup of events for every kind of adventurer. Whether you’re looking to watch fireworks light up the Colorado sky, catch a live concert at Red Rocks, enjoy rooftop parties, indulge in seasonal food and drinks or explore the city’s thriving arts and culture scene, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Independence Day.

Here’s your guide to the best music, food, fireworks, nightlife, arts, and cultural events happening across Denver this Fourth of July weekend.

Follow @303magazine on Instagram

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Read: Best Rooftops to Watch 4th of July Fireworks + Sip Cocktails in Denver

Read: The Ultimate 4th of July Outdoor Colorado Music Guide

FASHION EVENTS

Denver Fashion Week Fall 2026 Model Workshop

When: July 26, 1:00 p.m.
Where: TBA
Cost: $40+
The Lowdown: 

Whether you’re stepping onto a runway for the first time or looking to refine your walk before auditions, the workshop offers hands-on training designed to help participants feel confident, polished and prepared.

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Denver Fashion Week Fall 2026 Second Model Auditions

When: Aug 9, 11:00 a.m.
Where: TBA
Cost: $10+
The Lowdown: 

Following overwhelming demand from aspiring models across Colorado, Denver Fashion Week (DFW) has announced a second round of model auditions for its upcoming Fall/Winter 2026 runway season.

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MUSIC EVENTS

Read: The Ultimate 4th of July Outdoor Colorado Music Guide

Gillian Grogan and EMMA ROSE

When: July 2, 8:00 p.m.
Where:  Skylark Lounge – 140 S. Broadway
Cost: $18+
The Lowdown: 
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Zeds Dead with Sippy, Baauer, Holly, HYDRAULIX & LUMBERJVCK

When: July 3, 5:00 p.m.
Where: Red Rocks Amphitheatre – 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison
Cost: $205+
The Lowdown: 
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Flobots

When: July 4, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Levitt Pavilion Denver – 1380 W Florida Ave
Cost: $0+
The Lowdown: 

Don Toliver with SahBabii, SoFaygo, Chase B

When: July5, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ball Arena – 1000 Chopper Cir
Cost: $105+
The Lowdown: 
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FOOD EVENTS

Read: Best Rooftops to Watch 4th of July Fireworks + Sip Cocktails in Denver

Dumpling Love: Dim Sum Party

When: July 3, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Stir Cooking School Highlands – 3215 Zuni St.
Cost: $120 per person
The Lowdown: 

Join the dumpling party and learn how to make pork bao buns, shrimp shumai, pan-fried gyoza, and crab cheese rangoons. All classes include a full bar with beer, wine, and house-curated cocktails for purchase.

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Stars, Stripes, and Deck Nights

When: July 3, 5:00 p.m.
Where: Woodie Fisher Kitchen & Bar – 1999 Chestnut Pl.
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: 

Celebrate America’s 250th with our festive Bomb Pop Drinks, featuring real Bomb Pops and High Noon buckets!

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4th of July Rooftop Fiesta at Cimera

When: July 4, 5:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Where:  The Source Hotel – 3330 Brighton Blvd.
Cost: $60+
The Lowdown: 

The experience is an open rooftop gathering featuring live-fire cooking, craft cocktails, and skyline views throughout the evening. Guests will enjoy Peruvian street skewers, duck & chorizo paella, and ceviche prepared live on-site.

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Farmers Market Central Park

When: July 5, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Central Park – 29th Ave & Roslyn
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: 

Local vendors provide Colorado-grown produce, tasty baked goods, specialty meats, gourmet food items and more! 

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LIFESTYLE EVENTS

Mystic Magnolias; A Southern Gothic Cabaret

When: July 2, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Colorado Sake Co – 3559 Larimer St
Cost: $25+
The Lowdown: 

Saunter yourself out to The Mystic Magnolias, a Burlesque AND Drag Show with chilling charm and dripping in Southern Gothic atmosphere.

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America 250 | Colorado 150 Drone Show presented by Visit Denver

When: July 3, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Where: DPAC/Denver Performing Arts Complex – 1400 Curtis St.
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: 

Following Sunset Cinema’s showing of National Treasure on July 3rd at Sculpture Park, stay to enjoy the 4th of July Drone Show! This special event will be brought to you by Visit Denver, celebrating American 250 | Colorado 150, including an appearance by Mayor Mike Johnston.

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Beat The Bomb Summer Mission: America250 Edition

When: July 4, 2:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Beat The Bomb – 3863 Steele St, Unit 1273
Cost: $39+
The Lowdown: 

Beat The Bomb announces the limited-time-only Summer Mission: America250 Edition – celebrating America’s 250th with five new games, a collectible beach towel, and a red, white, and blue Paint Blast!

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Independence Day Concert with Denver Municipal Band (Cheesman Park)

When: July 5, 7 :00 – 8:15 p.m.
Where: Cheesman Park – 1900 E. 11th Ave.
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: 

Price:Free

Join the Denver Municipal Band’s Concert Band for an Independence Day concert at Cheesman Park Pavilion with special guest Denver District 10 City Councilmember Chris Hinds narrating Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait. 

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Follow @303magazine on Instagram

Whether you’re dancing at a concert, enjoying a garden dinner, cheering on your favorite soccer team or exploring a new exhibition, Denver offers plenty of ways to fill your 4th of July weekend calendar. Gather your friends, support local businesses, and discover something new around the city.

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Seattle, WA

COUNTDOWN: Two days until West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade! Here’s the newest info

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COUNTDOWN: Two days until West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade! Here’s the newest info


Just two days until hundreds of West Seattle’s youngest residents will parade through the streets of North Admiral with their families, as the Admiral Neighborhood Association again presents the West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade. We’ve checked in with parade coordinators for the newest info:

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>Gina Topp (SPS School Board President, Admiral resident, and owner of Mission Cantina) will kick off the parade.

Kavya Bhatkar (age 10), a School of Rock student, will sing the anthem.

-Title sponsors for the parade are: Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care and Holy Rosary.

-Food available for purchase including:

Seattle Pops
West Seattle Grounds
Where Ya at Matt
Empanadas El Pachi
La La Lemonade
Seattle Sorbet
Hawk Dogs
Sugar & Spoon

The parade starts at 10 am Saturday from 45th SW and SW Sunset, heads west on Sunset for a bit, turns south and then east, ending at Hamilton Viewpoint Park for a post-parade celebration with sack races, activity booths, the aforementioned food/treat vendors, and if they’re not called away to an emergency, an SFD truck to see. No RSVP or registration required to be in the parade – just show up (non-motorized bikes, trikes, scooters, strollers, etc., welcome, or just walk).

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San Diego, CA

Man Stabbed 4 Times Outside San Diego Bar; Suspect Arrested

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Man Stabbed 4 Times Outside San Diego Bar; Suspect Arrested


The victim was smoking outside the business when a 35-year-old man approached him, threatened to kill him and pulled a knife at around 10 p.m. Monday in the 900 block of Cardiff Street, according to the San Diego Police Department.

Police said the attacker stabbed the man twice in the chest and twice in the arm. It was unclear what prompted the stabbing.





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