New Guardian podcast investigates a prolific cyberstalker
A new podcast series telling a story about obsession, fear and the lives we lead online, has been launched by The Guardian.
Can I tell you a secret? is a six-episode investigation exploring the story of Matthew Hardy, a prolific cyberstalker who stalked women online, for over a decade, wreaking havoc in their lives, and the lives of their friends and families.
It usually started with Hardy setting up a fake social media profile, posing as a young woman with the message: “Hey hun, can I tell you a secret?”
Hosted by Guardian journalist Sirin Kale, it’s The Guardian’s first standalone true-crime podcast series. It examines Hardy’s relentless campaign of fear, through exclusive and deeply personal interviews with his victims and people who know him.
Host Sirin Kale said: “I’ve written about stalking throughout my career and thought, probably naively, that there was very little that could shock me.
“The case of Matthew Hardy is one I still struggle to wrap my head around, even now. How did Hardy manage to go on for so long and torment so many people? What motivated him to do it? And – most importantly for his victims – is he likely to stop?
“We explore all of these questions and many more, in Can I tell you a secret?”
Nicole Jackson, head of audio, Guardian News & Media, added: “Podcasting is integral to the Guardian and how we tell our stories.
“We produce hit shows every day while always experimenting with new ideas and genres. Can I tell you a secret? is a great example of original Guardian journalism being shared in a new and impactful way.
“The podcast will tell listeners the story of what happened to some of the women cyberstalked by Matthew Hardy, the impact it is still having on them as well as trying to understand why Hardy behaved the way he did and whether more could have been done to stop him.”
All six podcast episodes are available from today (23 September) at theguardian.com/audio and all podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Acast.