Michelle Hadley, who spent nearly three months in jail for a crime she did not commit, has spoken publicly about her experience in Netflix’s new documentary “A Toxic Love Story,” which explores the complex and disturbing legal saga involving her, former U.S. Marshal Ian Diaz, and his then-wife Angela Connell Diaz.

Hadley, 39, was incarcerated in 2016 after she was wrongfully accused of orchestrating a campaign of harassment and cyberstalking against the Diaz couple. Ian and Angela alleged they had received death threats and disturbing images from an online user identified as “Lilithistruth,” whom they claimed was Hadley. They also accused her of impersonating Angela to post online ads intended to lure and assault men. The case led to Hadley’s arrest by the Anaheim Police Department.

However, months later investigations revealed that Ian and Angela Diaz had fabricated the entire harassment scheme. Hadley was exonerated in January 2017. Angela subsequently pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including fraud, false imprisonment, and falsely reporting a crime, resulting in a five-year prison sentence. Ian Diaz was sentenced to over 10 years in 2023 after being convicted of conspiracy to commit cyberstalking, cyberstalking, perjury, and obstruction of justice.

Reflecting on her time in jail, Hadley described the experience as isolating and disempowering, noting the lack of access to reliable information and the feeling of being at the mercy of the justice system. During incarceration, she found purpose by creating resources such as calendars and welcome packets for fellow inmates, and providing assistance to those with special needs.

Hadley emphasized that sharing her story through the documentary was an opportunity to reclaim her narrative and highlight the domestic abuse she endured during her relationship with Ian Diaz. She characterized Ian as controlling and manipulative, asserting that he was the primary architect of the harassment; however, the extent of Angela’s involvement remains uncertain. Hadley also noted warning signs she had overlooked early in the relationship, including rapid progression and disrespectful attitudes Ian displayed toward women, particularly in his derogatory comments about close female associates and family members.

Since being cleared, Hadley has faced considerable challenges rebuilding her life and career. She recounted difficulties securing employment, which prompted her relocation to New York City where she resumed work in marketing and customer relationship management, fields she has worked in for over 15 years. She also addressed the complexities of reentering the dating world while navigating the stigma and public attention related to her case.

Hadley gave birth to her daughter on the very day Ian Diaz was convicted in 2023. She expressed a commitment to raising her daughter to trust her instincts and cultivate self-confidence, aiming to equip her with resilience against abuse.

The documentary “A Toxic Love Story” presents Hadley’s account as part of a broader examination of the psychological and legal fallout stemming from this high-profile case of deception and wrongful imprisonment.