Amanda Knox vs. Casey Anthony: Who Is More Controversial?
Now that two of America’s most watched court case defendants are free, the question arises – who is the most controversial?
The differing nature between Amanda Knox and Casey Anthony’s murder trials makes each controversial for different reasons.
Knox was charged for the 2007 sexual assault and murder of her British roommate, Meredith Kercher, while studying abroad in Perugia, Italy. Whereas, Anthony was charged in the 2008 murder of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony, after waiting 31 days to report her daughter's absence.
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Amanda Knox, who was acquitted Monday afternoon of the murder charges, is currently on a plane heading back to Seattle, Wash.
Knox’s case is international, thus attracting three times the attention and three different cultural perspectives.
The Seattle native garnered strong support in the U.S. and many Americans have argued that the case was biased due to anti-American sentiment in the Italian courtroom.
“It became clear that it wasn’t facts but Knox, her femaleness, her Americaness, her beauty, that was driving the case,” read the Los Angeles Times Tuesday morning.
Kercher’s murder had attracted the attention of England.
“We think Foxy is freed to make a fortune,” said British newspaper The Daily Mail.
The case took place in Italian court, which has been criticized for its inefficient and botching physical evidence. As a result, many critics wonder if justice was really served.
“The Italian justice system is a worldwide embarrassment,” claimed Libero, an Italian newspaper, this morning.
Upon leaving the courthouse in Perugia, Italy, Knox received applause and cheers, mixed with booing and chants of “shame.”
Knox’s case involved two families, the Knox family and the Kercher family. The Kercher family feels that they are “back to square one” in finding justice for their daughter’s murderer.
Anthony’s case, on the other hand, proves more sensitive because it involves the death and possible murder of her daughter, Caylee. The mystery was also condensed to one family, leaving out third parties.
On the other hand, the Anthony case was All-American, making public hatred more concentrated.
Many Americans took to Facebook hate groups to express their rage at Anthony’s acquittal. One common mantra found on these pages is “Lie and Fry,” urging the death penalty for Anthony’s supposed compulsive lying.
As both cases settle, another question arises: how long will the acquitted remain in hiding?
Knox’s family is expected to make a statement to the media, upon arriving in Seattle later this evening. The family wants Amanda to stay out of the spotlight and regroup after spending four years in prison, CNN News wrote.
Knox has received strong family support. Additionally, various fundraisers have been set up to aid her – including the Amanda Knox Defense Fund, Justice in Perugia, and Friends of Amanda.
"Congrats Amanda Knox, I always knew you were innocent. However prayers to the Kercher family,” tweeted @arceaddisson88.
Anthony received far less support.
According to People magazine, a spokesperson at the Department of Corrections described Knox as “the most hated woman in America."
Anthony remains in hiding somewhere in Florida, estranged from her family.
Anthony received a stack of greeting cards on her daughter’s birth date, Aug. 9, People also reported.
The exact whereabouts of Casey Anthony remains unknown, but as of this evening, Knox will join Anthony on U.S. soil.
Although it is suspected that Knox may speak to the public after disembarking from the plane, both women have not officially confirmed any media interviews.
