I'm not stupid, I've chosen to speak, says catfish victim duped for nine years

Kirat Assi's life took a dramatic turn when she became a victim of catfishing for nearly nine years. It all began in 2009 when she received a friend request from a man named Bobby, who claimed to be a cardiologist. Kirat was excited because Bobby was not a complete stranger; they shared a community in West London and had mutual friends. Their online conversations quickly grew from casual chats to a deep emotional connection, evolving into what Kirat believed was a genuine love story. However, despite their long correspondence, they never met in person. Bobby always had elaborate excuses for their inability to meet, claiming he had suffered a stroke, been shot, or was in witness protection. Kirat, trusting and hopeful, believed these stories, thinking they were backed by Bobby's friends. Unfortunately, she was caught in a complex and distressing catfishing scheme. After nine years of deception, Kirat finally met Bobby in person, only to discover that the man she had been communicating with was actually her female cousin, Simran. This shocking revelation left Kirat questioning her own judgment, leading her to wonder, 'How could you have been so stupid? ' Kirat's story gained attention when she shared her experience on a podcast in 2021, and now a documentary on Netflix features her recounting the ordeal. She hopes that by sharing her story, others will understand how someone could fall victim to such a scheme. Kirat has faced criticism and abuse online, but she stands firm in her belief that she is not foolish for speaking out. 'I'm not stupid, I'm not dumb. I'm the one that's chosen to speak,' she asserts. Kirat believes it is crucial to address these issues, especially within the South Asian community, where there is often a stigma surrounding such topics. She explains that many victims suffer in silence due to fear of judgment from their community. Kirat shares her father's reaction to her story, noting that he prefers to avoid discussing the painful truth of what happened. She loves her father but recognizes that he has been raised with different values. Kirat has not spoken directly to Simran about the situation, attributing this to the community's reluctance to engage in difficult conversations. She reflects on whether her experience would have been different if she belonged to another background, suggesting that cultural pressures can influence how individuals respond to such situations. Despite facing negative reactions to her story, Kirat is open to discussing her experiences. She encourages people to approach her and engage in conversations, even if they may be uncomfortable. When asked if sharing her story has provided her with closure, Kirat expresses uncertainty. Simran declined to participate in the documentary, and Kirat took legal action against her cousin, resulting in compensation and an apology. However, Simran has not faced any criminal charges, and Kirat feels strongly that she should be held accountable for her actions. Kirat is determined to move forward with her life, including exploring new relationships. She is working diligently to rebuild her life and career, refusing to adopt a victim mentality. 'I'm going to carry on working towards goals and dreams,' she declares. The documentary titled 'Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare' is now available for viewing on Netflix, shedding light on Kirat's harrowing experience and the broader implications of catfishing.