Sherri Papini, the California woman whose alleged 2016 kidnapping once gripped the nation, is back in the spotlight — this time with a brand-new story. After being convicted of faking her own abduction, Papini now claims that she was actually kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend, James Reyes, not a willing participant in a hoax as previously admitted.
This latest twist is set to air in a new documentary titled “Sherri Papini — Caught in a Lie,” premiering on May 26. But with her past riddled with deception, many are asking: Can Sherri Papini be trusted now?
The Original Story That Captivated the Nation
In November 2016, Sherri Papini vanished while out for a jog near her home in Redding, California. Her husband, Keith Papini, reported her missing, triggering a huge search effort. Social media, news outlets, and even crowdfunding jumped in, raising nearly $50,000 through GoFundMe.
Then, 22 days later, Sherri reappeared 150 miles away — bruised, burned, chained, and branded. She claimed she had been kidnapped by two Hispanic women. Her account sparked widespread concern and sympathy.
The Truth Comes Out
Years later, in 2022, federal investigators revealed it was all a hoax. Papini had actually been staying with her ex-boyfriend, James Reyes, the entire time. DNA evidence on her clothing matched Reyes. She eventually pleaded guilty to mail fraud and lying to federal agents and was sentenced to 18 months in prison, serving 10.
A New Story Emerges
Now, Papini is once again changing her version of events. Speaking in the upcoming documentary, she claims her affair with Reyes wasn’t consensual after all — that he drugged and kidnapped her when she planned to end their relationship.
She describes waking up in a dark room, chained and locked, unable to escape. According to her, Reyes hit her, and many of her injuries — including a brand on her shoulder, bruises, and even bite marks — were not self-inflicted.
Papini claims she initially made up the story about Hispanic women to hide Reyes’ identity without directly naming him. “Doing a sketch of James’ mom was like trying to lead them to James without revealing his identity,” she said. But private investigators revealed that Reyes’ mother is Irish, not Hispanic.
Why People Aren’t Buying It
Reyes told the FBI he did not kidnap Papini, and that she planned the hoax herself — including her branding. He even passed a polygraph test, strengthening his credibility. His statement to the FBI was clear: “She was just a friend in need asking for help. She was trying to get away from her husband.”
Even Papini’s ex-husband, Keith, who now has full custody of their two children, says she has a long history of lying and exaggerating. He didn’t learn the truth until she pleaded guilty in court. “Whatever she says now is just another version of the story she thinks will help her,” he told People magazine.
Is This Just Another Story for the Spotlight?
Some critics suggest that Papini’s new claim is a strategic move to regain public sympathy or possibly earn money through documentaries or book deals. Given her past, it’s hard for many to accept her story at face value.
The damage from her original lie was huge — wasting law enforcement resources, misleading the public, and falsely accusing two innocent women. Even if she now claims to be a real victim, her credibility is badly damaged.
A Community Still Reeling
While Papini attempts to shift the narrative, the public and her community remain skeptical. Her false story caused real harm. Whether her new version contains any truth remains unclear — but for now, it seems like Sherri Papini’s reputation may never fully recover.