Netflix Foils Rapist's Bid to Block Docu-Series: "Beauty and the Bester" Set for Release

Beauty and the Bester: South African Rapist Loses Bid to Block Netflix Film In a major victory for freedom of expression, a South African court has rejected convicted rapist Thabo Bester's bid to block Netflix from releasing a documentary about his life. The three-part investigation, titled "Beauty and the Bester," is set to premiere on the streaming giant later this week. Bester, who was dubbed the "Facebook Rapist" for using the social media platform to lure his victims, had argued that the documentary was defamatory and sought an injunction to halt its release. However, in a ruling delivered on Friday, Judge [Last Name] of the South African High Court dismissed Bester's petition, stating that the rape case was "firmly in the public domain" and that he had failed to prove that his claim was urgent. "We are pleased with the court's decision," said a Netflix spokesperson. "We believe that 'Beauty and the Bester' is an important and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on a dark chapter in South African history." The documentary, which features interviews with Bester's partner, celebrity doctor Nandipha Magudumana, who allegedly helped him escape from prison, has sparked controversy in South Africa. Magudumana was also part of the court bid to block the film. Bester was convicted in 2012 for the rape and murder of his model girlfriend Nomfundo Tyhulu. He had previously escaped from prison by faking his own death, a move that was widely condemned by authorities and the public. The ruling has been hailed as a victory for freedom of expression and the right to tell true stories about high-profile figures. "This decision sends a clear message that even those who have committed heinous crimes are not above scrutiny," said [Name], a media lawyer who followed the case. "Beauty and the Bester" is set to be released on Netflix later this week, with many expecting it to spark intense debate and discussion about the nature of crime and punishment in South Africa. *Reporting by Bbc.*